‘Motorcyclists lives at risk’ in new test fiasco

Motorcyclists’ lives will be put at risk by a lack of new test centres, Liberal Democrats have said.

Learner riders face 200-mile round trips to sit new tests from October due to the shortage, according to the party.

It said in a statement that research had revealed 17 of 50 planned new test centres were not on course to be ready and that learners in Penzance would face a 100-mile ride to Exeter.

Liberal Democrat Shadow Transport Secretary Norman Baker said: “This is yet another Department of Transport bungle to add to their catalogue of errors.”

Julia Goldsworthy MP, who uncovered the statistics, said: “The lives of learner motorcyclists are being put at risk as they are forced to travel hundreds of miles in order to take their test.”