Young Caithness people have to wait 'ridiculous' time to sit a driving test, says community councillor
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A PLEA is to be made to the UK Government to take action on the "ridiculous" time young people in Caithness have to wait to sit a driving test.
Their plight was outlined at a remote meeting of Thurso Community Council on Tuesday night by treasurer, Elspeth Husband, who called for something to be done to address the problem which has arisen because of the coronavirus restrictions.
"This is a rural community and young people look forward to passing their driving test but they are being frustrated by the delays at the moment," she said.
Mrs Husband explained that the waiting list to take the theory test is so long places are being offered in Tongue and Inverness during the winter months and she wondered why the tests could not be done locally or online. Once the theory has been completed there is another lengthy wait to sit the driving test, she stated.
Mrs Husband highlighted the case of a young woman who was due to sit her driving test last year but then the coronavirus struck and it was postponed. She was offered a test in Inverness but that was unsuitable and she ended up taking a cancellation in Orkney before some tests became available in Thurso.
"People are almost in tears of frustration with this and I think something should be done. There is going to be a terrible backlog and it is going to get impossible," she said.
Thurso and northwest Caithness Highland councillor, Karl Rosie, backed her plea and said it is "a problem which has to be dealt with" particularly as the area is concerned about depopulation and the well-being of young people.
Thelma Mackenzie said letters should be written to the UK Department of Transport and local MP Jamie Stone to see what can be done to address a situation she described as "ridiculous."
Louise Smith also supported the call for action and suggested getting the backing of the Association of Caithness Community Councils and making elected representatives aware of the problem.
Members agreed to write to the Department of Transport and Jamie Stone and to canvass the support of the association in a bid to resolve the problem.
*The community council later agreed to contact the police about speeding vehicles in the town's Princes Street.
James Campbell described the situation as "horrendous" and said the worst offenders are car and truck drivers. Some of the bigger lorries obey the speed limit, he stated.
Councillor Rosie suggested reporting the matter to the police to see if they can do something about it and that was agreed.
