AN MP has launched a campaign to allow learner drivers to take their tests from makeshift venues across Southend.

James Duddridge, Tory MP for Rochford and Southend East, said too many of his constituents were either facing long waits for tests at Basildon or they had to travel long distances to alternative centres elsewhere in Essex and beyond.

Mr Duddridge wants Southend to be included in a pilot scheme, currently running in six parts of the country.

He explained: “The Driving Standards Agency have launched this scheme where they look at whether driving tests can be carried out from alternative venues, including local authority buildings, hotels or leisure centres.

“As soon as I was made aware of this, I wrote to Mike Penning MP, Minister of State for Transport, and also Rosemary Thew, chief executive of the Driving Standards Agency, requesting Southend be added to this scheme.”

The Basildon test centre was built to cater for learners from across south Essex after the Southend centre was closed in 2008.

This was down to the Government’s drive to reduce the number of small test centres and replace them with larger, regional centres.

However, the longer journeys endured by many crank up costs for learners who have to pay instructors to take them to the alternative centres.

In addition, some instructors recommend practice runs before tests in areas as far afield as Brentwood and Clacton. Mr Duddridge said he was “outraged” when the Southend centre closed despite much opposition and a very long campaign to save it.

He said: “One of the concerns raised, not just by me, but by driving instructors and assessors, was that as a direct result of the closure of the Southend centre, drivers would experience extensive delays in securing a test at Basildon.

“Unfortunately, it would seem these concerns are a reality.

“Learner drivers are having to travel much further afield due to the extensive delays in securing tests in Basildon.

“Many travel as far as Clacton to undertake the test.”

Road Safety Minister Mike Penning said he was keen to meet with Mr Duddridge and the community to discuss the proposals.

He added: “I want us to be more flexible and innovative in delivering driving tests, to make sure we offer people the best service possible, wherever they live.

“We are running trials across the country to explore how we can provide a more local service for driving test candidates.”

Mr Duddridge is urging his constituents to write to him in support of the campaign to Suite 1, Strand House, 742 Southchurch Road, Southend, SS1 2PS, or e-mail james@jamesduddridge.com