Reid calls on Transport Secretary to suspend the introduction of new motorcycle tests
April 20, 2009 9:35 AM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats
Alan Reid, Liberal Democrat for Argyll & Bute, has written to Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon and called on him to suspend the introduction of new motorcycle tests due to start on 27 April 2009.
The new tests mean that learner motorcyclists will have to travel to Glasgow or Inverness to sit their tests. This is because the Driving Standards Agency have failed to find a suitable motorcycle test site in the Oban or Fort William areas.
Alan Reid has written to Geoff Hoon pointing out that the new tests have already caused the closure of the motorcycle school in Oban. He is also concerned that some learner motorcyclists might be tempted to skip the test and use their motorcycles illegally because the nearest test centre is too far away.
Mr Reid said, "I am all in favour of improving driver testing, but only if test sites can be provided in all parts of the country. A few years ago, the Government agreed that most learners should be able to reach a test site within 45 minutes' travelling time. I have urged Geoff Hoon to remember this commitment.
"Forcing motorcycling schools to close doesn't help road safety. I am also concerned that some learner motorcyclists might be tempted to skip the test and use their motorcycles illegally because the nearest test centre is too far away."
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