HIGH Wycombe MP Steve Baker has criticised the DVSA for the ‘continued closure of the driving test centre' failing people in his constituency.

The MP spoke out on Twitter about how he has been flooded with emails from residents asking when the test centre will be reopening.

Steve Baker has requested to speak to the chief executive of the DVSA for a meeting to discuss when it will be opening.

A new High Wycombe driving centre was approved by the DVSA this January, though an opening date has yet to be announced.

The closure back in 2020 prompted outrage from local driving instructors, the thousands of young people learning to drive in the town and Wycombe MP Steve Baker, who all said it was vitally important the town had a test centre.

After a huge campaign, press coverage and even a mention in the House of Commons, the DVSA reconsidered their plans to remove a test centre from the town completely, instead asking local instructors to find an alternative cheaper site.

All driving tests that were booked at High Wycombe were moved 18 miles away to Slough, but driving instructors branded the decision "shameful".

Despite backlash from the public, the test centre is still no closer to reopening.

Steve Baker said: "I understand the frustration the continued closure of the driving test centre is causing. I share that frustration. Constituents are routinely writing to me requesting an update on its planned reopening, illustrating the reasons I believe it is essential we have a functional driving test centre in High Wycombe.

"As many of my constituents know, we have, of course, been here before. Twice now, I have worked with key stakeholders in our area to save the driving test centre in High Wycombe.

"Last year, I was pleased that, after continued representations, the Secretary of State for Transport confirmed to me there would be a driving test centre in High Wycombe.

"A proposal was put to the Council and early this year planning permission was granted for a centre to be reopened at Ashton Court in the Kingsmead Business Park.

"Given planning consent was given six months ago, I have been in regular contact with the DVSA to request clarification regarding the reopening date.

"No date has been confirmed, and this is not acceptable.

"I have now asked the Chief Executive of the DVSA for a meeting to discuss this, and I will of course update you as events progress."