Driving examiners hit brakes

A STRIKE by driving examiners is to go ahead after a last-minute appeal to the Transport Secretary to intervene failed to resolve a dispute over a new test.

Public and Commercial Services union members will walk out for 48 hours starting tomorrow.

General secretary Mark Serwotka asked Chris Grayling to intervene last week.

He said: “Learner drivers inconvenienced by this have our sympathy but the blame lies squarely with Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) and the government.

“A completely inadequate, last-minute reply from the minister to me is so disappointing, and fails to address the causes.”

The union said examiners are being told to work longer, harder and for no extra pay when the new tests are introduced from tomorrow.

Mr Grayling said in a letter that most issues had been resolved and talks could continue if action was called off.

Union members have voted by 84% in favour of strikes on a 70% turnout.