Woman fails driving test after workmen block traffic lights
A WOMAN failed her driving test due to some inconsiderate parking from workmen on the Stoneferry Corridor, her instructor has said.
Gareth Wilson, 40, says he is “gutted” for his student but was not surprised with the automatic failure when he was told she had run a red light during the test at the end of October.
The woman told him that she had struggled to see the lights in time because a vehicle had been blocking their view on the central reservation.
After reviewing the dashcam footage of the test, Gareth said he thinks the woman has a point and said he feels sorry for anyone learning to drive in the city at the moment with all the roadworks.
Gareth said: “When she told me she’d gone through a red light I was a bit surprised but I thought it was fair for her to fail, when I saw the footage and how the vans were parked I was upset for her though.
“The vans were completely blocking the view of the lights, I couldn’t believe how they were parked to be honest.
“Even an experienced driver would have struggled to slow down in time for that red light I think but for a learner with all the nerves and focusing on the test it was impossible.
“The examiner was even apologetic, I don’t blame them there are rules and if you go through a red that is an automatic fail.
“I was just absolutely gutted for her, it has knocked her confidence and now she’ll have to wait for another test and pay for it too.”
The woman will have to wait three months before she can have another attempt at passing her test, possibly even longer as there is a well documented backlog of learners waiting after Covid-19 delays.
As well being unable to get her driving license, she is also faced with the financial penalty of having to fork out £250 for another test and the cost of refresher lessons until the test day itself.
Gareth said he believes the contractors parking was dangerous for anyone using the road never mind a learner driver.
He said that he is seeing more anxiety among his students who want to repeatedly practice areas where there are heavy roadworks that are on testing routes.
Gareth said: “I did contact the council straight away with the video to show them what had happened, I didn’t get a response but there haven’t been vans parked on the central reservation since.
“I’m taking that as something as a victory and makes it a bit safer but it doesn’t help my student who now has to wait until next year before she can have another go at taking the test.
“I feel sorry for learner drivers around the city at the moment, it is difficult for everyone but especially for them with all the works.
“They all want to practice on the Clough Road roundabout and over Ferry Lane, they’re all panicking about that and want to practice it again and again to get it right for if it comes up on the test.
“The road markings there have been changed back and forth a few times, one minute you can go straight on and right in the middle lanes and then they change it back again.
“It isn’t easy for anyone on the roads at the moment but spare a thought for all the learners who are having to deal with this too, it’s pretty horrible.”
Hull City Council were approached but said they would not comment on a decision made by an independent examiner.