An Edinburgh driving instructor has called on Edinburgh City Council to fix the road markings around the DVSA test centre in Currie.
Bryce Road was resurfaced in 2019 but the roads around the DVSA test centre are riddled with potholes and many junctions have road markings that are barely visible or completely worn away. Asif Tariq, who works with Red Driving School, says that the lack of markings at junctions close to the test centre is extremely problematic for new learners.
The driving instructor states that many learners use the area to practise their skills and that many prospective Edinburgh drivers in the capital will sit their tests in the area. Junction markings that are worn down make it difficult for new drivers to learn where to stop.
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This also makes Asif’s job as an instructor more difficult. He said that he hopes that Edinburgh City Council would fix the markings so that everyone’s life is made easier, including for residents.
On the lack of road markings, he said: “How can we teach something that is not there? We are asking new drivers to pretend that there is a line and this makes it harder for them to learn the correct practice.
“We try to inform them of what to look out for so that they can keep themselves and other drivers safe. Currie is used by learners as it is close to the test centre but their learning is impacted by the state of the roads in the community.
“We would like to see the road markings updated so that the junction markers are clear for all to see.”
Asif was joined in his condemnation of the state of the roads by Lothian MSP, Sue Webber. Webber had worked successfully to have the road that the DVSA centre resurfaced in 2019 but she says that the roads around the test centre are not fit for purpose.
She said: “The roads around the test centre and across Currie are in a sorry state, with the exception of Bryce Rd which was resurfaced fully in 2019. The roads are riddled with potholes and the pavements are no better.
“This is before we even consider having clear road markings. One might challenge the usefulness of centre line markings when drivers are consistently trying to identify the pothole free route or pass the kerb side parked vehicles.
“However, on a serious note, having clear road markings, good quality road surfaces, free from detritus and potholes, would make those sitting their test endure a far less stressful experience where they could focus on demonstrating their driving ability and skills rather than making up for the failure of the council to maintain the roads “
The DVSA stated that the road markings were a matter for the local authority.
A council spokesperson said: “This enquiry has been logged for an inspector to visit the site this week to assess the markings.
“Roads are regularly inspected, but any member of the public can also report defects on our website or by phoning 0800 23 23 23.”
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