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One 'L' of a problem as driving test centre in Gillingham closed due to Legionnaire's disease

A driving test centre is closed after Legionnaires’ disease was found in the water.

The DVSA site in Courteney Road, Gillingham, turned away people who were coming in for their exams yesterday, in order to carry out tests of a different kind.

Today, the centre is still closed and staff are redirecting people set to take their tests to the VOSA goods vehicle testing site in Ambley Road.

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The learner driver testing site in Gillingham is closed
The learner driver testing site in Gillingham is closed

Those who had their tests cancelled yesterday are being offered other dates, at no extra cost.

Legionnaires’ disease is a serious lung infection caused by Legionella bacteria. It can be fatal and anyone can be susceptible to infection.

Video: Driving tests have been affected by Legionnaires’ disease.

It is usually caught by breathing in small droplets of contaminated water, and is not contagious.

The symptoms are similar to the flu and include a high temperature, fever and chills, a cough, muscle pains and a headache - but it is not believed anybody has contracted the disease from the site.

The learner driver testing site in Gillingham, where drivers are being directed to
The learner driver testing site in Gillingham, where drivers are being directed to

Phil Lloyd, head of operations at the DVSA, said: “Gillingham driving test centre was closed as a precaution, after a positive result for Legionnaires’ disease was found following a routine water test.

“Driving tests are currently being carried out from the goods vehicle testing site on Ambley Road, Gillingham.

“Any candidate who was unable to take their test due to this incident will be offered another test, at no cost to themselves.”

Did you have your test cancelled yesterday? Let us know. Email jedwards@thekmgroup.co.uk or call 01634 227803.

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