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NEW MOTORBIKE TEST CENTRE COULD BE BUILT IN GREEN BELT
A NEW motorbike test centre could be built on green belt land near York, if plans by motoring bodies get the go-ahead.
The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) wants to open a new Motorcycle Driver Test Centre at the junction of the B1224 and Moor Lane in Rufforth, west of York, and has submitted a planning application to City of York Council.
From later this year, bikers will have to undergo a more stringent test, including high-speed and braking manoeuvres.
The DSA says it is not safe to do such procedures on public roads, so needs to do tests at purpose-built off-road centres.
York's current driving test centre, at Murton Way in Osbaldwick, does not have enough space for motorbike tests, so the DSA says it has no option but to move to the green belt.
From April 2006 to March 2007, a total of 382 motorbike tests were sat in York, and if a new centre cannot be built then learners from the city will have to travel to Harrogate or Hull instead.
Martin Turner, estates manager at the DSA, said: "The new test will ensure learner motorcycle riders are better prepared and trained to deal with on-road driving safely and this should, as a result, reduce the disproportionately high number of accidents involving motorcyclists."
Motorcyclists make up about one per cent of road-users in Britain, but 17 per cent of road deaths, said Mr Turner.
The European Union has passed legislation calling for more rigorous tests, in an attempt to improve safety among motorcyclists.
David Short, campaigns manager of the Motorcycle Action Group, said: "Each fatal road accident costs the public purse in the region of £1 million. This money could be better channelled to improving public services.
"By granting this application, City of York Council will be making a positive contribution to road casualty reduction and a positive move to implementing the Government's motorcycling strategy."
A supporting statement submitted with the application says the DSA has looked for alternative sites in York, but all brownfield land is earmarked for other uses.
It says the Rufforth site is the best available.
It lies 500 metres from the nearest house, and would consist of a large Tarmac area, with a single-storey office and parking spaces.
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