The Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCI) and its Riders Are Voters partners are today highlighting the urgent need for the next Government to sort out the Driving Standards Agency's (DSA) mismanagement of rider training and licensing issues.

MCI and RAV say that there needs to be a proper partnership between the motorcycle community and the Government on the management of testing and licensing policy. Industry, trainers and riders groups need to be a full part of the policy making process, rather than simply ignored in stage managed consultation meetings. In addition, new Ministers will need to take a far more active involvement in motorcycle licensing matters.

The motorcycling world's frustration with the DSA focuses around a litany of serious issues in relation to the Agency's management of testing and training. These include:

. The Parliamentary Transport Select Committee said that the introduction of 2DLD had been bungled and £millions of public money wasted
. Test candidates are facing difficulties in getting a motorcycle test due to the reduced number of test centres. (down from over 200 to just 45 sites for the 'module one' test)
. There has been a fall in candidate numbers (over 60%), suggesting that a 'permanent learner' situation is arising
. The financial cost of the over complexity of the DSA interpretation of simple EU regulations
. A consultation on further European licensing regulations (3DLD) was complicated and even DSA's officials did not understand what they had written.
. The DSA's refusal to include the option for progressive licence upgrades in the 3DLD, so that as training  standards and quality assurance regimes improve, a training, rather than testing, option could be implemented more easily
. The Enhanced Rider Scheme, has a low rider take-up. The DSA do not even have a method of recording how many riders have taken and passed the scheme.
. The DSA's recently proposed National Riding Standard includes bizarre and unnecessary provisions for carrying pets and towing trailers.

In the last week of the General Election campaign, MCI calls on motorcyclists to support the Riders are Voters campaign, which is online at www.ridersarevoters.org, to ensure that motorcycling voices are heard by Parliamentary Candidates. This is so that Government policy can be improved for the 1.5 million active riders in the UK and that more people can choose to take up biking and enjoy the Co2 and congestion-busting benefits.

Steve Kenward, MCI's CEO said;  "The seemingly unresolved issues of accessing and booking tests, is still causing massive problems for trainers and is ultimately reducing the number of riders coming forward for tests.  This is further damaging for the motorcycle industry and adding cost and inconvenience for riders and trainers. Parliament agreed and we now expect the DSA to sort the problems out.

"To add insult to injury, we are now faced with the implementation of the Third European Driving Licence Directive.  We have reason to believe that once again the DSA is ready to create similar complications, problems and costs to consumers.

"The DSA's attitude to the 3DLD consultation has been unsympathetic to the point where a complaint by industry to the Parliamentary Ombudsman has been lodged. The complain puts forward several reasons why the industry feels that the consultation was inappropriate and badly thought out."

The Heritage Motor Centre, home to the world's largest historic collection of British cars, is organising a whole host of exciting activities for families during May Half Term. From James Bond Week and Spy School to the Gaydon Spring Classic and Metro 30^th Anniversary, there’s something for visitors of all ages to enjoy.

‘Bond Week’ , which takes place from 29 May – 6 June, will offer visitors the chance to see an exhibit of cars from the James Bond films. Making a special guest appearance will be the Aston Martin DBS from the opening scene of Quantum of Solace, the BAD1 Jaguar XK & the Aston Martin Vanquish from Die Another Day . Each day children can enjoy a free activity and make their own spy de-coder to solve cryptic clues around the museum. 

On Thursday 3rd June, children can enjoy ‘ Spy School’ to make their own spy gadgets and learn the art of secret message writing. This free, drop-in activity will take place from 11am – 3pm in the Education Room. Normal museum admission prices apply and children can take home what they make.

Running daily during the half term week, visitors can also enjoy outdoor activities including Go Karts, Mi niature Roadway and the centres very own 4x4 Experience. Sessions run daily, weather permitting, from 11am – 4:00pm and are open to non-museum visitors.

Veteran, Vintage and Classic Cars gather for a fantastic day out at the ‘ Gaydon Spring Classic’ on Sunday 30 May from 10am – 5pm. Those arriving in a vehicle older than 20 years old can benefit from a reduced museum entry fee of just £5 per person - the museum entry fee at the time of opening in 1993. Also taking place that day from 10am - 4pm is the Metro 30^th Anniversary, a special event which celebrates 30 years of the Austin Metro, 20 years of the Rover Metro and 15 years of the Rover 100.  Visitors can see for free a display of Metro models from 1980 -1998 plus an exhibition of Metros in motorsport and nostalgic 1980's music, quizzes and competitions.

Sunday 30 May also plays host to the‘ Two Stroke Rally’ from 10am – 4pm.  The event, which is open to owners of two stroke vehicles, will feature cars, vans, commercial vehicles and motorcycles. Primarily a static display, owners will have the opportunity of testing their vehicles unique abilities and visitors will be able to watch for free.

‘Boot 4 Ben’ , a charity car boot sale, takes place on Monday 31 May and is open to the public and traders. Gates open at 9am and close at approximately 3pm. All proceeds raised from the pitch fees will be split equally between BEN, the automotive industry charity, and BMIHT. Further 'Boot 4 BEN' car boot sales will also takes place at the HMC on Monday 30 August & Sunday 19 September.

  Penny Tyler, Marketing Officer for the Heritage Motor Centre stated “With our special Bond Week, Spy School and a host of exciting and nostalgic motoring events, the Heritage Motor Centre has something for everyone to enjoy this May half term”.