GOVERNMENT FAILS NEW MOTORCYCLE TEST

10.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 7th Oct 2008

Delays in introducing a new motorcycle test could still leave Cornwall many miles away from the nearest new test centres, it has been revealed in a letter to Julia.

The new test, widely welcomed as an improvement to safety standards, was due to be introduced on September 29th, alongside the roll-out of test centres with improved facilities. However, the Government have been forced into an embarrassing 6-month delay in implementing the changes. This is because only 38 of the 60 multi-purpose test centres (MPTCs) were ready in time.

The Driving Standards Agency had identified four areas needing an MPTC in the South West, but so far only the Exeter site is up and running. Plymouth will be in use by March next year, but in Redruth they have failed so far even to identify an appropriate site. This means many motorcyclists in Cornwall could still be left facing a round trip of over 150 miles to take their test, even after the delay in introducing the new requirements.

Despite the 6 month deferral period, the cost of the test has increased from £60 to £80 and those who have already booked and paid for the new test will not be refunded.

Commenting, Julia said;

"The Department for Transport has presided over a complete shambles. They have given themselves an extra 6 months breathing space, but it seems that motorcyclists in Cornwall will still face unacceptably long journey to take their test.

"When the new test is finally introduced in March, local bikers will be still be forced to travel hundreds of miles to either Plymouth or Exeter to take their test. My concern is that there may be some motorcyclists who simply won't bother, which could result in increased danger on the County's roads.

"To add insult to injury people are being charged an extra £20 for a test they are not even sitting. The Government should admit their mistakes and refund this money. They must also guarantee to have all the new test centres fully up and running by March, when the time the new test kicks in."