Free driving lessons for asylum seekers
N3ws | 30.08.2002 20:00
Hundreds of refugees are to get driving lessons subsidised by the taxpayer because they are breaking the law.
The £50k scheme launched in Coventry has caused outrage among angry residents, but organisers said it would cut crime and boost road safety.
The £50k scheme launched in Coventry has caused outrage among angry residents, but organisers said it would cut crime and boost road safety.
ASYLUM SEEKERS GET FREE DRIVING LESSONS
(and taxpayers foot £50k bill.)
Hundreds of refugees are to get driving lessons subsidised by the taxpayer because they are breaking the law.
The £50k scheme launched in Coventry has caused outrage among angry residents, but organisers said it would cut crime and boost road safety.
The 18 month scheme will also teach fefugees about drivers' legal obligations and car maintenance.
The Coventry refugee centre , which initiated the scheme, said large numbers of refugees and asylum seekers in the deprived Hillfield area were driving illegally without a licence.
"The project is an educational and practical response. The driving lessons are just a small part," said Penny Walker of the refugee centre. She was unsure what people will have to pay for the driving lessons because the project is still at an early stage.
The funding comes from the Govt's neighbourhood renewal fund, given to poor areas by local councils. Coventry is home to about 5,500 refugees and asylum seekers, up to 2000 of whom will benefit in some way from the driving project.
Sue Lennox, 47, a dental nurse said, "They should be sent to court like everybody else.
The public should be informed of where the money is coming from and what its being spent on."
Mr.John Reece, who owns the Alderman Green school of motoring, said, "I don't think we should subsidise them."
But a Coventry city council spokeswoman said: "Refugees don't know about the laws in Britain, car tax, or MOTs.
"The project is about crime prevention and community safety. Once they have been given the right to live here we have to treat them as nationals under international law."
A west midlands police spokeswoman said asylum seekers would be arrested if they drove without a licence or insurance.
"We are not aware of this. If anyone is found driving illegally they will be arrested." She said.
Source: Daily Express, 30/8/02
Comment: TOO BLOODY RIDICULOUS TO COMMENT ON!!
(and taxpayers foot £50k bill.)
Hundreds of refugees are to get driving lessons subsidised by the taxpayer because they are breaking the law.
The £50k scheme launched in Coventry has caused outrage among angry residents, but organisers said it would cut crime and boost road safety.
The 18 month scheme will also teach fefugees about drivers' legal obligations and car maintenance.
The Coventry refugee centre , which initiated the scheme, said large numbers of refugees and asylum seekers in the deprived Hillfield area were driving illegally without a licence.
"The project is an educational and practical response. The driving lessons are just a small part," said Penny Walker of the refugee centre. She was unsure what people will have to pay for the driving lessons because the project is still at an early stage.
The funding comes from the Govt's neighbourhood renewal fund, given to poor areas by local councils. Coventry is home to about 5,500 refugees and asylum seekers, up to 2000 of whom will benefit in some way from the driving project.
Sue Lennox, 47, a dental nurse said, "They should be sent to court like everybody else.
The public should be informed of where the money is coming from and what its being spent on."
Mr.John Reece, who owns the Alderman Green school of motoring, said, "I don't think we should subsidise them."
But a Coventry city council spokeswoman said: "Refugees don't know about the laws in Britain, car tax, or MOTs.
"The project is about crime prevention and community safety. Once they have been given the right to live here we have to treat them as nationals under international law."
A west midlands police spokeswoman said asylum seekers would be arrested if they drove without a licence or insurance.
"We are not aware of this. If anyone is found driving illegally they will be arrested." She said.
Source: Daily Express, 30/8/02
Comment: TOO BLOODY RIDICULOUS TO COMMENT ON!!
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