It is deeply disappointing that the Driving Vehicles Standards Agency (DVSA) have announced their intention to permanently close the Llandrindod Wells Driving Test Centre.
I am concerned that this closure is due to the termination of the premises lease and not due to a fall in demand, highlighting the ongoing importance of the test centre to those in the local community. Not only will this decision put at risk the livelihoods of many driving instructors in and around Llandrindod Wells, but it will also remove an essential rural service that is utilised by many.
The COVID pandemic has undoubtedly caused many driving instructors a great deal of stress, with social distancing next to impossible in their line of work. I stand with them in seeking to find a solution. I believe that this decision by the DVSA to permanently close the site displays a lack of understanding for the realities of rural life at such a difficult time and should be examined.
I appreciate that whilst alternative locations may be available some 20-30 miles away in Brecon or Newtown, rural public transport is not strong enough to make these viable options for residents wishing to learn to drive. I have made my position on this clear to the DVSA and have encouraged them to reconsider, but to no avail.
It is the Department for Transport that have oversight of the DVSA. As such, I can confirm that next week, I will be meeting with a Department for Transport Minister to put forward the case for finding an alternative premises within Llandrindod Wells. I expect a constructive meeting where I intend to clearly outline why rural services mustn’t be overlooked as we emerge from the Coronavirus lockdown.
If you are concerned about this closure, please contact my office and they will be able to update you on our progress.
Fay Jones MP
Member of Parliament for Brecon and Radnorshire