DSA Driving People Mad

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 8th Jul 2003

Norman Lamb, the Liberal Democrat MP for North Norfolk, has today taken up the issue of delays getting through to the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) telephone hotline for booking practical driving tests.

He has tabled questions to the Secretary of State for Transport after being alerted to the issue by a constituent, Megan Crewe of Sheringham, who has spent many days trying to book a practical test without managing to speak to an operator.

Commenting, Mr Lamb said: "This is clearly an irritating problem. I and my office attempted several times to call the hotline on 08700 101372, but either received an engaged tone or were cut off after a brief recorded message.

"Many people who need to book tests will be experiencing the same difficulties. I have taken this up with the Secretary of State, as the DSA's system seems to be overloaded. Action needs to be taken to resolve this, in the interests of good service."