By Scunthorpe MP scores meeting over theory test centre closure
Scunthorpe MP Holly Mumby-Croft’s Adjournment Debate on the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency’s decision to close Scunthorpe Theory Test Centre has secured her a meeting with Transport Minister Baroness Vere.
In a series of heated exchanges, the MP challenged Transport Minister Rachel Maclean MP on the DVSA’s claims that Scunthorpe residents will be able to access a test centre “40 miles within an urban area and 40 minutes within a rural area.”
Holly Mumby-Croft informed the minister that she has lived in the Scunthorpe area all her whole life, and that “the on-ground situation is simply not what they (DVSA) are saying”.
The Scunthorpe MP stepped in to tell the Minister that her “multiple attempts” to book a Driving Theory Test appointment were in vain, calling the process “incredibly difficult” after he noted that there will be appointments in Grimsby and Doncaster next week.
Her speech condemned the DVSA’s decision as “absolute nonsense”, fighting against the “ridiculous” journeys her constituents will have to make, which would include driving up to 4 hours and 40 minutes to access a Driving Theory Test.
The impassioned speech emphasised the importance of retaining the Scunthorpe Theory Test Centre, which would allow her constituents to access all the opportunities after the multi-million-pound government investment in Scunthorpe.
Following the conclusion of the debate, Holly Mumby-Croft MP said:
“I am pleased to secure the opportunity to voice the frustrations faced by residents on this important issue, they are absolutely right and I support them. I hope that the Ministers from the Department for Transport will reflect on the points I have made this evening, and I fully intend to follow up on them during my further meeting with the Minister.”
“Everyone in Scunthorpe will know at least one person that will be affected by the DVSA’s decision. For now, there is cold comfort in knowing that this decision will be under review. I will certainly be making a submission once the review is open, and will continue to work with colleagues on this matter.”
“There simply isn’t any justification to take away our theory test centre and residents in the Scunthorpe constituency can rest assured that I will continue to challenge the decision made by the DVSA.”
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