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Multi-Purpose Test Centres
MAG is continuing to negotiate with the Driving Standards Agency, DSA, re the development of Multi purpose testing centres, MPTC's in readiness for 2nd Driving licence directive which comes into force in October 2008 and introduces the new motorcycle test which includes new stop and swerve manoeuvres. ( See campaigns web site for details of the Isle of Wight Campaign).
The door is still open to save the Isle of Wight test centre which was under threat of losing its motorcycle test centre resulting in expensive and lengthy trips to the mainland for those islanders wishing to take their motorcycle test. A possible site has been identified at the Smallbrooke Speedway Stadium and MAG are negotiating with the owners of the site and the DSA re the possibilities of developing the site to provide a temporary motorcycle test centre.
The DSA are encountering problems gaining planning permission for the MPTC's in some areas. Each site costs approx £1.5m to develop and requires a tarmac footprint of 2.5 acres.
The problem is that local authorities are reluctant to commit this amount of land which they would rather use for business development such as industrial sites which generate local employment and income.
MAG are actively supporting the DSA planning applications, pointing out to the planning authorities their duty of care to help with casualty reduction. It helps to focus their minds when it is pointed out that each fatal serious crash costs the tax payer around £1m. This money would be better used improving local public services!
I would encourage local activists to write letters of support to the local planning authorities supporting the MPTC's.
This will likewise encourage the DSA to consider more favourably our need for motorcycle test centres in the more remote areas like Scotland and Wales.
Cheers David Short
MAG Campaigns Manager
DSA Website Search Areas & Progress
Here
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