More than 1000 people have backed a campaign to bring practical driver licence testing back to Motueka, with strong support also coming from Golden Bay.
Motueka Community Board deputy chair Laura Lusk has spearheaded the petition, which has attracted more than 1000 signatures, including 250 from Golden Bay. The campaign has also received support from the Golden Bay Community Board.
Motueka Community Board chair Claire Hutt says practical driver testing was discontinued in Motueka in 2012 after the New Zealand Transport Agency determined the strengthened test required a more complex driving environment than the town could provide.
However, Claire says the group has been given indications that this may no longer be the case.
Since the service was removed, people have had to travel to Nelson or even Westport to sit their practical tests.
“In the Tasman District, there’s nowhere you can take your driving test. There’s nowhere.”
Claire says the financial and time costs are significant for local communities, particularly for people travelling from Golden Bay.
She says the lack of local testing also creates barriers for those aged 75 and older who may be required by their health practitioner to complete an on-road safety test.
The petition, signatures and a letter of support from Tasman Mayor Tim King will be presented to the Motueka Community Board next Tuesday before being forwarded to the New Zealand Transport Agency.
Anyone wishing to support the campaign can still sign the petition at Te Noninga Kumu-Motueka District Library or the Motueka Service Centre until Tuesday, 18 August.
