Sir,

I write regarding your story 'Driving instructor fears taken to highest level' (January 16) and to explain the efforts DSA has made in attempting to maintain driving test centre provision in Haverfordwest.

By way of background, European Community Directive 2000/56/EC requires that the motorcycle test should include new and more challenging special manoeuvres. Two of those must be undertaken at 50km/h (31.25 mph). 

For road safety reasons, public consultation recommended and Ministers agreed in 2002 that the new tests should be delivered through a national network of off-road testing sites located at Multi-Purpose Test Centres (MPTCs), which would also carry out car tests.

We sought to establish an MPTC at Withybush, on land adjacent to the existing LGV and PCV manoeuvring area site.

The proposed location was in keeping with Pembrokeshire County Council's plans to redevelop the aerodrome site, by utilising the existing LGV and PCV manoeuvring area and allowing DSA to relocate from the terminal building.

Unfortunately, our planning application was turned down by Pembrokeshire council.

An appeal was subsequently also refused and during that process the council served notice on DSA opposing the grant of a new lease on the existing LGV and PCV manoeuvring area and requiring us to vacate by February 15, 2009.

DSA's attempt to gain an extension of occupation of the terminal building, thus allowing us to remain on our current site, was also turned down by the council.

While it is true that an offer of a temporary alternative manoeuvring area was made and alternative sites put forward, all were considered unacceptable. They were either conditional on the Agency paying for certain works, too expensive or in unsuitable locations.

Consequently, as relayed at the public meeting on October 15, 2008, DSA decided there was no alternative but to withdraw practical driving test provision from Haverfordwest.

The nearest alternative practical test centres are as follows: car tests at Pembroke Dock; current motorcycle tests at Carmarthen and Cardigan; LGV/PCV tests at Neath; new motorcycle test at Swansea MPTC.

The last day of testing at Haverfordwest will be Friday, February 13.

Rosemary Thew,

Chief Executive,

Driving Standards Agency,

The Axis Building,

112 Upper Parliament Street,

Nottingham,