Driving Standards Agency Confirms Barry Driving Test Centre Closure

THE Driving Standards Agency (DSA) says there will be no reprieve for the Barry Driving Test Centre and that the office will close as planned - but Vale MP John Smith says the fight isn't over.

The DSA and the Department for Transport (DfT) last week announced that the closure will go ahead, regardless of a meeting between Vale MP John Smith and Transport Minister Paul Clark last month.

Chris Lee, a spokesperson for the DVLA, said: "The closure is still planned for March 26, 2010.

"It was stated in the meeting that if there was a future need for a test centre because of population growth, then it would be considered at a later date, should the need arise."

A DfT spokesperson added: "Paul Clark met with John Smith MP to discuss the test centre closure and understands the concerns Mr Smith forcefully put to him.

"However, to date, the evidence provided by the DSA is conclusive on the issue and Paul Clark has written to Mr Smith explaining that the closure is planned to go ahead."

But Mr Smith denied that any decision had been confirmed, and last week had a second meeting with the transport minister.

A spokesperson for Mr Smith said: "Mr Smith had a further meeting with the Transport Minister last week and what's more, he has recently submitted evidence on future population growth here in Barry and the Vale of Glamorgan which he believes hasn't been properly taken into account and warrants the retention of the Driving Test Centre in Barry.

"In the past when Barry Driving Test Centre faced closure, the case for keeping it open was properly listened to and closure was averted. Let's hope that the same happens this time around."

Barry driving instructor Lyndon Davies, who has led the campaign against the closure said: "Thousands of people signed the petition to keep Barry Driving Test Centre - we must do everything we can to convince the DSA to keep it open."

Barry driving instructors, backed by the town’s learner drivers and politicians, have tried to prove the need for a test centre in the town.

Source : Elinor Cross - www.barryanddistrictnews.co.uk