HUNDREDS OF learner motorcyclists will face a round trip of 75 miles to sit
their test, because under new legislation York lacks an adequate centre.
The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) is building 50 new centres around the
country, to cater for a new, more stringent test being introduced this autumn. But a suitable venue has still to be found in York, and developers say the
centre will not be ready in time for the new test, meaning learners will have
to travel to Hull instead.
Councillor Ann Reid, City of York Council's executive member for transport
issues, said: "This seems to be yet another example of an ill-thought-out
change to Government policy.
"To introduce new rules for motorbike tests without knowing that the test
centres will be available is short-sighted and, far from saving lives, is
likely to put more young people at risk.
"To expect people to travel to Hull on a 125cc motorbike is extraordinary.
The alternative is to drive as the test centre in Hull appears to be nowhere
near a railway station.
"City of York Council has identified that young moped and motorbike riders
are at particular risk, but failing to provide a test centre in York will
discourage young people from taking those road safety risks seriously."
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