RURAL BIKERS TAKEN FOR A TESTING RIDE - ÖPIK (Montgomeryshire Liberal Democrats)

Cymraeg
English

Montgomeryshire Liberal Democrats <montlibdems@gmail.com>

RURAL BIKERS TAKEN FOR A TESTING RIDE - ÖPIK

April 23, 2009 2:22 PM

Lembit Öpik, Liberal Democrat MP for Montgomeryshire, yesterday joined fellow Welsh Liberal Democrat MPs, Roger Williams and Mark Williams, in a call to Government to make sure that the EU directive coming into force this Monday (27th April) to introduce the new two-test module for motorcyclists, does not place any added burden on learner motorcycle riders.

Commenting on the proposed change, Lembit said:

"The directive recommends that there are 66 testing sites across the UK to fulfil the new requirements, but there are still only 44 and there are concerns about the location of many of the existing ones for people living in rural areas. The two module test requires two different sites and for many people, it will mean they have to travel quite a distance between the two centres."

The Welsh Liberal Democrats believe this could have a detrimental effect on the number of people opting to take the test but instead continue to ride on a provisional licence.

Speaking during the Westminster Hall debate, he said:

"Does he agree that, apart from the basic stupidity, eco-unfriendliness and additional danger of the change being forced upon us, it is the Government's responsibility to ensure that people can learn to ride bikes and pass their driving test without bearing an inordinate additional burden as punishment for the fact that they happen to live in mid-Wales or Montgomeryshire?"

Speaking afterwards, he added:

"Personal transport is doubly important for people in rural communities who rely on it for their work and socialising. These proposals will make it increasingly difficult for people to get around rural areas easily."

The Welsh Lib Dems are pressing the Government to delay the implementation of the two-stage test in order that these issues can be resolved.

Ends/diwedd

Notes to editor:

For further information on the debate please see: http://pubs1.tso.parliament.uk/pa/cm200809/cmhansrd/cm090422/halltext/90422h0009.htm#09042266000003