Warning over road clogging (From Worcester News)

Warning over road clogging

4:00pm Saturday 21st March 2009

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THE chairman of Worcester’s driving instructors’ association has warned the closure of test centres will increase learner traffic in the city.

Rob Gillmor’s comments come in response to complaints from residents whose neighbourhoods are constantly used by learners being taught manoeuvres.

Mr Gillmor added that instructors try not to “over-do it” and regularly change routes, but urged other road users to be patient.

“Approved driving instructors are highly trained and qualified – we are professional and responsible people, sensitive to the feelings of local residents and do spread our training around. For one thing, our pupils need as much experience of different places and situations as possible,” he said. “We avoid teaching manoeuvres on test routes but, as with any exam, it is helpful to practise on test areas but we try not to over-do it.”

Mr Gillmor said the closure of Malvern, Evesham and Bromsgrove test centres in recent years has increased learner traffic in Worcester.

“The possible forthcoming closure of Kidderminster will only add to it,” he said.

“We would ask the public to remember they were learners once and understand if a learner does not move off a junction as quickly as you could. Our main concern as instructors is safety on the road, for both the public and our pupils throughout their driving careers.” As previously reported in your Worcester News, residents in Warndon Villages, Worcester, have complained about learner drivers clogging up the streets.

Quiet residential roads in the area are not only on test routes but are also used by learners to practise their manoeuvres.

Worcestershire County Councillor John Buckley raised the issue at this month’s Warndon Parish Council meeting, warning the situation was becoming dangerous. A meeting has now been arranged with the managers at the Worcester test centre, Mr Gillmor, Coun Buckley and the parish council’s clerk Les Bishop.

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