DVSA test centre closures

That this House notes with concern the current programme of closures of local DVSA driving test centres across the country, including the South Shields DVSA Test Centre in the Jarrow constituency; acknowledges that the loss of the Bede Industrial Estate facility is yet another blow to South Tyneside, while lesson times, prices and waiting lists all increase at a period when waiting times for driving tests are at an all-time high; further notes that such closures are being undertaken without any consultation with those directly affected or the local community; strongly believes that moving the test centre away from South Tyneside could discourage many from learning to drive in the borough and risks skilled instructors and examiners leaving the industry which will further exacerbate already high waiting times; further acknowledges that the added distance South Tyneside learners will be forced to drive to take lessons will increase emissions and impact negatively on the environment; calls on the DVSA to reconsider any such closures; and further calls on the Department for Transport to suspend immediately any such closures and to instruct the Driving Vehicle Standards Agency that no closures may be undertaken without a full public consultation.