James Duddridge MP, David Amess MP and Mark Francois MP actively campaigned along with local Conserverative Councillors to prevent the closure of the Southend Driving Test Centre in 2008. The campaign included letters to Ministers and the Driving Standards Agency, a petition with 3000 signatures in support of the campaign was presented and there were also Written Questions and an adjournment debate held. However, despite the best efforts of residents and Parliamentarians the Driving Test Centre was closed in 2008.