I have been contacted by a number of my constituents expressing concern at the impending closure of Blackpool Driving Test Centre, which I am told is due to happen around the 30 March 2023.

Blackpool has already lost its Theory Test centre – which I challenged the Government on in 2021 and they confirmed it was due to bizarre 40 minute travel distance criteria, and so now learners are having to travel a considerable distance to Preston.

With the closure of the Driving Test Centre, most tests in the local area will be moved to Kirkham which is totally unacceptable for learners who will be forced to pay for extra time with Instructors to travel there and back. Instructors having to raise prices to cover the extra wear and tear and fuel to cover longer journeys. They will also have to take fewer learners on due to less availability.

I have asked the Secretary of State to step in to stop this closure.