Page 40 - link magazine

Final Ad (Nov) 28/10/09 17:13 Page 1

40 swindonlink.com • December 2009
LINKjulyECOLINKp4p.pdf 12/7/09 21:55:36 Calling local clubs
SWINDON DELIVERIES Take it easy on learners say DSA
With around 300 driving schools and instructors in a 25 mile radius of Swindon, and the nearest test cen-
tres - after Swindon - being in Chippenham, Newbury, and Oxford, it’s not surprising that West Swindon
residents feel learner drivers are constantly being taken for a ride around their homes. and groups
After the November Link re- the DSA to su-
ported concerns that the volume pervise learner
of learner drivers using the area is drivers during
posing a danger, with some routes lessons. They
seeming unsuitable, whilst others will be mind-
are constantly used, the Driving ful not only of
Standards Agency (DSA) spokes- the safety of the
person responded, “while learner learners and all
drivers may obstruct or slow traffi c other road us-
on occasions, we would not expect ers, but also the
any of their actions to result in safety of them-
dangerous situations. Approved selves and their
driving instructors are licensed by vehicles.”
Comment-
ing on the test
FIAT & ALFA ROMEO route, they add- Learning under pressure on a bus route in Freshbrook
ed: ‘as Swin-
don’s multi-purpose test centre is instructor Alan Collict says there
All cars welcome in West Swindon, all driving test was no requirement for driving
routes start and fi nish in this area. instructors to follow set test routes
cam belt replacement However, they do pass through - he doesn’t and he said it should
engine & gearbox repairs & rebuilds other areas and there are posters in not be necessary. “It is however es-
electrical fault code reading the waiting room asking instructors sential that pupils are instructed on
Open to avoid teaching manoeuvres on the techniques to negotiate potential
MOT repairs BOOK A 8.30am - any of the published test routes if hazards in those areas. Driving
vehicle sales WINTER CHECK 5.30pm possible.” tests sometimes require that learner
NOW
James Aldred, of Liskeard Way, drivers perform manoeuvres safely
servicing to light commercialsservicing to light commercials Freshbrook, is still unhappy. “I under pressure created by other
Call f see drivers struggling to reverse road users and this will often in-
Call for friendly advice, reliable service & quotes. All major credit & debit cardsor friendly advice, reliable service & quotes. All major credit & debit cards
OPTIMA MOTORS 39A Station Road, round corners, delaying traffi c and clude bus routes.
“In fact, residents should try to
creating obstructions on a main bus
Tel: (01793) 840667 Wootton Bassett route. The DSA is refusing to take be patient with learner drivers and
ownership of the issue, saying they perhaps be more aware themselves
cannot control where instructors when driving in West Swindon and
take learner drivers to prepare for further afi eld.
their driving test but it’s obvious “Quite often, other drivers cause
they’re going to be taken across hazardous safety issues by being
the test routes. The DSA needs to very impatient with learners, fre- INTRODUCTORY
be more creative about resolving quently speeding and overtaking OFFER
this issue.” in dangerous places or driving 25% OFF
There is another way, However, West Swindon based extremely close behind.” THE FIRST MONTH

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