Wednesday 16 October 2013
Media enquiry from Emma Pinch, Alderney Journal:
Just to clarify, when it says below that 'unless demand drops significantly below this requirement' what does it mean exactly? Will they continue to come every other month for two or three tests? If so why did they contact the States about the five number? Or does the requirement mean five?
If you could clarify that I would be grateful.
Quote from the Environment Dept:
Whilst the Department has recently advised the States of Alderney office that the ideal number of test slots that should be filled to justify a visit is five, the Department will ensure that visits continue to be undertaken every eight weeks, unless demand drops significantly below this requirement in the quieter winter months.
Environment Department response:
We have previously made it clear in our earlier response that we will continue to deliver the tests to Alderney and that there need not be 5 candidates waiting before we agree to undertake those tests. Our previous email was an internal document explaining the pressures that we are under and suggesting a way in which costs can be controlled and asking the Alderney States Office to work with us in that respect. There was and is nothing preventing the Alderney States Office from contacting us to discuss this proposal and to explore other ways in which the costs can be controlled.
The Environment Department remains committed to providing Alderney with an appropriate standard and frequency of theory and practical driving tests.
ENDS
