Driving test site closed over alleged lease breach

A driving test centre site has been padlocked over an alleged breach in the terms of its lease.

Examiners were unable to access equipment required to carry out tests at Hanbury Road in Chelmsford, Essex on Saturday, the BBC was told.

A solicitor's notice left on the gate on behalf of the landowner said obligations around "repair and maintenance" had been breached.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) said it was "working urgently" to resolve the situation and driving tests had resumed under contingency plans.

The solicitor's notice stated the DVSA "should have been aware" of the landlord's intended action since 13 February and of complaints around lack of maintenance that spanned "several years".

Two students from the Chelmsford School of Motoring were called on the morning of their tests to say they would not be going ahead.

Owner of the school John Hounsone, 79, told the BBC his student was "devastated" at the news.

"They'd worked themselves up ready for it, nerves as well," he said.

Driving test examiners were unable to proceed without their sat-navs, body-worn cameras and tablet computers.

The Hanging Gardens tea room off the A414 near Writtle was identified as a temporary meeting spot for tests.

A DVSA spokesperson confirmed it was unable to access the test centre and said testing was taking place on Monday under "contingency plans".

"We are working urgently to resolve the situation," they said.

"Driving test candidates will be contacted directly if their test is affected. Any tests which are cancelled will be rebooked."

The solicitor acting on behalf of the landowner declined to comment when contacted by the BBC.

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