MP given petition opposing Louth driving centre closure

Campaigners opposing the closure of a driving test centre in Lincolnshire have handed a 5,000-signature petition to their local MP.

The centre in Louth will close on 10 February leaving the nearest centre in Grimsby or Skegness.

The Driving Standards Agency said the alternative test centres were within "established travel distance criteria".

Lincolnshire MP Sir Peter Tapsell was handed the petition on Friday and met the group to discuss the plan.

Petrol costs

He pledged to ask the government to try to stop the closure of the driving test centre.

The DSA had said it relied on the fees from customers for funding and had a duty to spend its money in a responsible manner.

Drivers will face a round trip of more than 30 miles (48km) to take their test when the centre shuts.

Sir Peter Tapsell said: "Clearly people at a time when petrol costs are astronomically high, will have to spend a good deal of money driving to Grimsby.

"And from an environmental point of view - those who think one shouldn't burn up petrol for environmental reasons - will also be opposed to it.

"So a lot of arguments against it. It is going to be be very inconvenient."

The petition will be delivered to the junior minister for transport.