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What the 'L' are they thinking?
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| Basingstoke's Driving Test Centre, in Brighton Hill, is set to close |
THE days are numbered for Basingstoke's Driving Test Centre.
The centre, which opened in 1981, is faced with closure - a move that will force learner drivers and motorcyclists to take their tests in either Newbury or Farnborough.
Bosses at the Driving Standards Agency say the closure is necessary because the Brighton Hill centre is not big enough to meet European Union rules about motorcycle testing that come into force in September.
The new rules require more space for motorcycle riders to perform complicated manoeuvres that must be off public roads.
Although Basingstoke's centre is still suitable for car tests, DSA bosses insist it is not cost effective to keep it open just for car drivers.
No date has been set for the closure, but a new Multi Purpose Test Centre (MPTC) is due to open in Farnborough at the end of August, followed by one in Newbury at the start of 2009.
DSA spokesman Mike Watkinson said: "The MPTC sites require a significant amount of investment, and thus, it would not have been value for taxpayers' money to keep the Basingstoke facility just for driving."
He said that although learners would have to drive 18 miles to Farnborough or 17 miles to Newbury MPTCs, the changes met travel distance criteria laid down by the agency.
He added: "Learners will still be able to practise in Basingstoke because the driving test will test their ability to drive and not stick to one particular area."
The move has received criticism from local motoring action groups, instructors and learners, who are concerned that inexperienced drivers will be forced to use unfamiliar roads and will have to pay more for longer lessons.
| Basingstoke does have a good mix of traffic and is therefore a good place to be tested | | The AA’s Andrew Howard |
|
Steve Lambourne, owner of Bournstone School of Motoring, based in Mulfords Hill, Tadley, said: "I think it's terrible - a lot of Basingstoke's learners will suffer.
"People who can only afford an hour a week will just manage to reach Newbury before they're forced to turn around and come back again without practising in the area where they will take their tests."
Andrew Howard, who is head of road safety for the Basingstoke-headquartered AA, said: "Basingstoke does have a good mix of traffic and is therefore a good place to be tested.
"The Government has decided that closing these centres will provide savings for the taxpayer, but it won't for people learning to drive if they want to take more lessons in the areas where they will be tested.
"It's a major loss to the people who use the centre."
Last year, 4,997 car and 572 motorcycle tests were taken at the Brighton Hill testing centre. Of those, 47.8 per cent of car drivers and 73.1 per cent of motorcyclists passed, compared with a national average of 44.3 per cent of car drivers and 66.5 per cent of motorcyclists.
The new European Community Directive dictates that, from September 29, the motorcycling test should feature new manoeuvres, including one undertaken at speeds of 30km/h (18.6mph) and two at 50km/h (31mph). The DSA said public consultation supported the move and ministers agreed the new tests should be delivered from a national network of about 60 off-road testing centres, costing in the region of £71million.
Mr Watkinson confirmed that the four-strong staff currently in Brighton Hill would be offered jobs at other centres.
8:53am Thursday 5th June 2008
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CommentPosted by: Billy Nomates, Basingstoke on 11:08am Thu 5 Jun 08
Is this not a retrograde step? It was opened in Basingstoke because of the demand and the fact that people had to travel to Reading, Farnborough & Newbury for tests!
Why are we punishing young potential car drivers because of the needs of a few middle aged men who want weekend motorcycle toys to play with?
Is this not a retrograde step? It was opened in Basingstoke because of the demand and the fact that people had to travel to Reading, Farnborough & Newbury for tests!
Why are we punishing young potential car drivers because of the needs of a few middle aged men who want weekend motorcycle toys to play with?
Posted by: NB1981, basingstoke on 11:34am Thu 5 Jun 08
Surely with the growth in the area with the developments in old kempshott lane, near QMC and even in Hatchwarren, Beggarwood and Gabriel Park since the opening of the centre, the need for a local testing centre is stronger than ever?.
Surely with the growth in the area with the developments in old kempshott lane, near QMC and even in Hatchwarren, Beggarwood and Gabriel Park since the opening of the centre, the need for a local testing centre is stronger than ever?.
Posted by: Large, Hampshire on 12:12pm Thu 5 Jun 08
Just another example of Basingstoke's ever increasing development without the accompanying updates to our infrastructure.
One of these days, something's going to give.....
Just another example of Basingstoke's ever increasing development without the accompanying updates to our infrastructure.
One of these days, something's going to give.....
Posted by: Ragman, Hampshire on 1:55pm Thu 5 Jun 08
If this centre opened in 1981 there must have been a need at that time. As I took a motorcycle test in 1992 in Aldershot - because Basingstoke didn't test motorcycles - then surely the original need (car tests) is still relevant. Can the motorcycle tests not be conducted at other centres as they used to?
Does anyone know when Basingstoke started to test motorcycles any?
I am fairly sure that most motorcyclists are able to get to and from their test using 'L' plates anyway so surely the hardship to them (remember I am one!) is much less than a learner in a car who HAS to have qualified instruction.
[quote]Just another example of Basingstoke's ever increasing development without the accompanying updates to our infrastructure.
[/quote]
Too true. This town is becoming a bigger joke day by day, but hey the council treat the rest of us with comtempt on a daily basis....
Computer system upgrades, allowing more farm land to be built on, allowing more office buildings to be built when there are already loads stood idle or half empty, allowing office buildings to be converted into flats, forcing more office building onto greenfield sites (chineham park), allowing the Lilly's building fiasco to happen - I could go on.
Amazingstoke - more like BasingJoke.
If this centre opened in 1981 there must have been a need at that time. As I took a motorcycle test in 1992 in Aldershot - because Basingstoke didn't test motorcycles - then surely the original need (car tests) is still relevant. Can the motorcycle tests not be conducted at other centres as they used to?
Does anyone know when Basingstoke started to test motorcycles any?
I am fairly sure that most motorcyclists are able to get to and from their test using 'L' plates anyway so surely the hardship to them (remember I am one!) is much less than a learner in a car who HAS to have qualified instruction.
Just another example of Basingstoke's ever increasing development without the accompanying updates to our infrastructure.
Too true. This town is becoming a bigger joke day by day, but hey the council treat the rest of us with comtempt on a daily basis....
Computer system upgrades, allowing more farm land to be built on, allowing more office buildings to be built when there are already loads stood idle or half empty, allowing office buildings to be converted into flats, forcing more office building onto greenfield sites (chineham park), allowing the Lilly's building fiasco to happen - I could go on.
Amazingstoke - more like BasingJoke.
Posted by: Ragman, Hampshire on 2:09pm Thu 5 Jun 08
If this centre opened in 1981 there must have been a need at that time. As I took a motorcycle test in 1992 in Aldershot - because Basingstoke didn't test motorcycles - then surely the original need (car tests) is still relevant. Can the motorcycle tests not be conducted at other centres as they used to?
Does anyone know when Basingstoke started to test motorcycles any?
I am fairly sure that most motorcyclists are able to get to and from their test using 'L' plates anyway so surely the hardship to them (remember I am one!) is much less than a learner in a car who HAS to have qualified instruction.
[quote]Just another example of Basingstoke's ever increasing development without the accompanying updates to our infrastructure.
[/quote]
Too true. This town is becoming a bigger joke day by day, but hey the council treat the rest of us with contempt on a daily basis....
Computer system upgrades, allowing more farm land to be built on, allowing more office buildings to be built when there are already loads stood idle or half empty, allowing office buildings to be converted into flats, forcing more office building onto greenfield sites (chineham park), allowing the Lilly's building fiasco to happen - I could go on.
Amazingstoke - more like BasingJoke.
If this centre opened in 1981 there must have been a need at that time. As I took a motorcycle test in 1992 in Aldershot - because Basingstoke didn't test motorcycles - then surely the original need (car tests) is still relevant. Can the motorcycle tests not be conducted at other centres as they used to?
Does anyone know when Basingstoke started to test motorcycles any?
I am fairly sure that most motorcyclists are able to get to and from their test using 'L' plates anyway so surely the hardship to them (remember I am one!) is much less than a learner in a car who HAS to have qualified instruction.
Just another example of Basingstoke's ever increasing development without the accompanying updates to our infrastructure.
Too true. This town is becoming a bigger joke day by day, but hey the council treat the rest of us with contempt on a daily basis....
Computer system upgrades, allowing more farm land to be built on, allowing more office buildings to be built when there are already loads stood idle or half empty, allowing office buildings to be converted into flats, forcing more office building onto greenfield sites (chineham park), allowing the Lilly's building fiasco to happen - I could go on.
Amazingstoke - more like BasingJoke.
Posted by: Jo Walke on 8:36pm Thu 5 Jun 08
4997 car tests & 572 motorcycle tests !? ...and its not cost effective to have just car tests!?....tosh!!
(looks like another brownfield site will shortly be up for grabs!!)
4997 car tests & 572 motorcycle tests !? ...and its not cost effective to have just car tests!?....tosh!!
(looks like another brownfield site will shortly be up for grabs!!)
Posted by: BonzoDog, local on 8:04am Fri 6 Jun 08
So, I think they're trying to say that bikers have never been tested properly in the Basingstoke area before? I can't imagine why one area is much different to another when all they're trying to do is test a biker on normal roads?
Do we need something 'special' to do this tried and tested scenario? I think not, but feel it's another financial decision made by someone sitting in a plush office in never-never-land!
[bold]http://doughnut-city
.co.uk/forum[/bold]
So, I think they're trying to say that bikers have never been tested properly in the Basingstoke area before? I can't imagine why one area is much different to another when all they're trying to do is test a biker on normal roads?
Do we need something 'special' to do this tried and tested scenario? I think not, but feel it's another financial decision made by someone sitting in a plush office in never-never-land!
http://doughnut-city
.co.uk/forum Posted by: Billy Nomates, Basingstoke on 10:05am Fri 6 Jun 08
Some information:
Basingstoke Wait Time:
Car: 7 Weeks
Bike: 11 Weeks
Farnborough Wait Time:
Car: 5 weeks
Bike: 8 weeks
NO LGV or PCV testing
Newbury:
Car: 4 Weeks
No Bike, PCV or LGV
Reading:
Car: 9 Weeks
No Bike
Some of these don't offer 8 hour days (Basingstoke included) so could be considered to be open 'part time'.
If they wish to treat all potential candidates the same then they will need to close all these centres and make them all able to deal with Car, Bike, Taxi, LGV & PCV leaving us with Reading, Southampton, Culham & Guildford.
With the current cost of testing ranging from £48.50 to £136.00 how can this place - which has NO competition - not be cost effective just for cars?
Jo Walk has hit the button on this - development. Sitting next to a disused youth club how attractive is the patch for redevelopment?
Let's see if our local liberals go out of the way to get 'the dome' up and running again or if they take the money. My wager is on the latter.
Some information:
Basingstoke Wait Time:
Car: 7 Weeks
Bike: 11 Weeks
Farnborough Wait Time:
Car: 5 weeks
Bike: 8 weeks
NO LGV or PCV testing
Newbury:
Car: 4 Weeks
No Bike, PCV or LGV
Reading:
Car: 9 Weeks
No Bike
Some of these don't offer 8 hour days (Basingstoke included) so could be considered to be open 'part time'.
If they wish to treat all potential candidates the same then they will need to close all these centres and make them all able to deal with Car, Bike, Taxi, LGV & PCV leaving us with Reading, Southampton, Culham & Guildford.
With the current cost of testing ranging from £48.50 to £136.00 how can this place - which has NO competition - not be cost effective just for cars?
Jo Walk has hit the button on this - development. Sitting next to a disused youth club how attractive is the patch for redevelopment?
Let's see if our local liberals go out of the way to get 'the dome' up and running again or if they take the money. My wager is on the latter.
Posted by: Picket Dewfury, Basingstoke on 2:45pm Fri 6 Jun 08
I don't think the Brighton Hill Liberals will get involved. Driving standards and Cllr Barnes don't seem to be affiliated for one thing. Observations show that he is quite happy to hold people up because he does not know how to use his indicators. 14:30 today, turning into Chopin Road being the latest example I caught on camera.
I don't think the Brighton Hill Liberals will get involved. Driving standards and Cllr Barnes don't seem to be affiliated for one thing. Observations show that he is quite happy to hold people up because he does not know how to use his indicators. 14:30 today, turning into Chopin Road being the latest example I caught on camera.
Posted by: hannah140291, Basingstoke on 3:47pm Fri 6 Jun 08
i am currently taking driving lessons. i am on a low paid job and i am also a student. i dont have the money to drive to Farnborough or Newbury! i can just about afford lessons! i know for a fact that lots of people are taking lessons so why close it down? alot of people i know at my age want to pass their test and dont have alot of money so driving a long way will not help them at all! new, unfamiliar roads, that really isnt going to help nerves is it? i really hope they read these comment and reconsider because it will make a lot of people's lives easier. come on, as students we have alot of other things to worry about, dont add to it!
=( not a happy person
i am currently taking driving lessons. i am on a low paid job and i am also a student. i dont have the money to drive to Farnborough or Newbury! i can just about afford lessons! i know for a fact that lots of people are taking lessons so why close it down? alot of people i know at my age want to pass their test and dont have alot of money so driving a long way will not help them at all! new, unfamiliar roads, that really isnt going to help nerves is it? i really hope they read these comment and reconsider because it will make a lot of people's lives easier. come on, as students we have alot of other things to worry about, dont add to it!
=( not a happy person
Posted by: David, Chineham on 4:53pm Fri 6 Jun 08
Not only is infrastructure not being increased but [bold]it's actually being taken away[/bold]. Utter madness! If we can't keep this open, we're going to have to build another one quick.
Not only is infrastructure not being increased but
it's actually being taken away. Utter madness! If we can't keep this open, we're going to have to build another one quick.
Posted by: David, Chineham on 5:24pm Fri 6 Jun 08
[quote]a new Multi Purpose Test Centre (MPTC) is due to open in Farnborough at the end of August, followed by one in Newbury at the start of 2009.[/quote] We must be going back to the old days when "Basingjoke" was left to rot. 90,000 people live in the town with others being drawn in from surrounding villages. Newbury is 30,000 and Farnborough is 50,000. Why not Basingstoke?
[quote]a national network of about 60 off-road testing centres, costing in the region of £71million.[/quote]
So that's almost £1.2m for each one. Why is that too expensive for one here?
a new Multi Purpose Test Centre (MPTC) is due to open in Farnborough at the end of August, followed by one in Newbury at the start of 2009.
We must be going back to the old days when "Basingjoke" was left to rot. 90,000 people live in the town with others being drawn in from surrounding villages. Newbury is 30,000 and Farnborough is 50,000. Why not Basingstoke?
a national network of about 60 off-road testing centres, costing in the region of £71million.
So that's almost £1.2m for each one. Why is that too expensive for one here?
Posted by: Picket Dewfury, Basingstoke on 7:38pm Fri 6 Jun 08
On the plus side, it may bring an end to the misery of people in Brighton Hill having to put up with the constant stream of learners blocking the bluddy roads.
On the plus side, it may bring an end to the misery of people in Brighton Hill having to put up with the constant stream of learners blocking the bluddy roads.
Posted by: David, Chineham on 6:22pm Sun 8 Jun 08
The people who drive on the Newbury Road won't be so happy though.
The people who drive on the Newbury Road won't be so happy though.
Posted by: David, Chineham on 6:47pm Sun 8 Jun 08
The people who drive on the Newbury Road won't be so happy though.
The people who drive on the Newbury Road won't be so happy though.
Posted by: Billy Nomates, Basingstoke on 7:44pm Sun 8 Jun 08
Who cares? Newbury is a whole County away.
Who cares? Newbury is a whole County away.
Posted by: Billy Nomates, Basingstoke on 5:48pm Mon 9 Jun 08
The 'unfamiliar roads' thing I don't buy into. You have either been taught to the correct standard, or you have not.
The winners are the local driving schools who will be able to fleece youngsters for more cash. A trip to Newbury, a test and the ride back will take you a little over 2 hours. The local driving schools will be rubbing their little mits together with these tests and familirisation lessons.
My advice to youngsters:- drop the Basingstoke Driving Schools and get instruction in Newbury or Farnborough. The return bus fare runs to much less than paying for an extra hour, and you'll get to know the area in no time.
The 'unfamiliar roads' thing I don't buy into. You have either been taught to the correct standard, or you have not.
The winners are the local driving schools who will be able to fleece youngsters for more cash. A trip to Newbury, a test and the ride back will take you a little over 2 hours. The local driving schools will be rubbing their little mits together with these tests and familirisation lessons.
My advice to youngsters:- drop the Basingstoke Driving Schools and get instruction in Newbury or Farnborough. The return bus fare runs to much less than paying for an extra hour, and you'll get to know the area in no time.
Posted by: Picket Dewfury, Basingstoke on 8:24am Tue 10 Jun 08
Driving lessons are another cash cow. Some of the local schools are very very good. Fiveways is one of them. On the other hand, plenty of them are utter bile. You only need to look in the national papers and see the recruitment campaigns 'Earn up to 30k, no skills necessary'. Says it all really.
It is a step back in time, but that is Basingstoke all over. Always moving backwards, always playing 'catch-up'.
Driving lessons are another cash cow. Some of the local schools are very very good. Fiveways is one of them. On the other hand, plenty of them are utter bile. You only need to look in the national papers and see the recruitment campaigns 'Earn up to 30k, no skills necessary'. Says it all really.
It is a step back in time, but that is Basingstoke all over. Always moving backwards, always playing 'catch-up'.
Posted by: David, Chineham on 6:20pm Tue 10 Jun 08
So if they earn that much, why won't they just allow taking away the motorbike tests (which removes 1/11 of the exams)?
"The basics of driving: Anyone going slower than you is an idiot who's either to old or young to be driving and anyone going faster than you is an absolute maniac."
So if they earn that much, why won't they just allow taking away the motorbike tests (which removes 1/11 of the exams)?
"The basics of driving: Anyone going slower than you is an idiot who's either to old or young to be driving and anyone going faster than you is an absolute maniac."
Posted by: Billy Nomates, Basingstoke on 9:17pm Sat 14 Jun 08
Or why don't they make them take 'part 2' or whatever it is called now, at the same place they did the CBT/part one?
Perhaps it is more attractive in terms of property to make 'regional' centres? Test Centres are, after all, nothing but waiting rooms - dingy ones at that.
What I do know is this, I filled up several column inches in the hard copy of the Gazette this week with my views on it - not bad for a local 'troll' ;-)
Or why don't they make them take 'part 2' or whatever it is called now, at the same place they did the CBT/part one?
Perhaps it is more attractive in terms of property to make 'regional' centres? Test Centres are, after all, nothing but waiting rooms - dingy ones at that.
What I do know is this, I filled up several column inches in the hard copy of the Gazette this week with my views on it - not bad for a local 'troll' ;-)
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