Residents in Hastings, East Sussex, are raising concerns about the high number of learner drivers practising in their neighbourhood.
The areas of Ashford Road and Ashford Way have become particularly popular spots for driving lessons, leading to what some locals describe as an “invasion” of learner drivers.
Town councillor Andy Batsford reported that residents are forming a group to address the issue.
The situation has become so intense that one instructor likened it to “living in a dangerous ground hog day with hundreds of learner drivers a week,” he told the BBC.
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Residents have raised concerns to local council to act on reducing learner drivers in one area
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The influx of learner drivers has also led to various complaints from residents, including safety concerns, disruption to daily life, and potential property damage.
But one resident highlighted the frequency of learner drivers attempting to park, stating: “Sometimes there are five learner cars in a row lining up to take pot shots at parking around my car, and when damage is done no-one takes responsibility.”
Batsford acknowledged that residents understand the area is on the driving test route. However, he expressed concern about the “sheer number” of learners practising daily, even into the evenings.
Elderly residents were seen to be particularly affected, with Batsford noting: “Headlights were blaring into their front rooms every 10 minutes,” describing it as “intrusive and unsettling.”
The constant stream of learner drivers has led residents to view the situation as a “non-stop conveyor belt of nervous drivers” in their neighbourhood.
However, diving instructor Noel Giles offered a different perspective on the issue. He said the roads are “nice, quiet, calm streets where people can learn how to drive safely”, emphasising their importance for younger, less confident drivers.
Giles, who has run his driving school for over 15 years, stated that he had never witnessed any accidents, crashes or damage caused by learners in the area.
“We try to be as courteous as we can,” he added, addressing residents’ concerns.
He also pointed out that even current drivers had to learn somewhere: “People have got the right to complain, but if they are drivers they have learnt somewhere before.”
Despite residents’ grievances, Giles maintained that these roads provide ideal conditions for safe driving instruction.
In response to the ongoing situation, residents are taking action. Batsford revealed that locals are planning to form a campaign group to address their concerns.
As part of their efforts, residents have printed guidance leaflets. These are intended to encourage driving instructors to use alternative areas for their lessons.
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Residents have taken action against the number of learner drivers in the region
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A meeting is scheduled for later next week, where residents will decide on the “best course” of further action, according to Batsford.
