Learner drivers across Shropshire faced misery today with up to 350 driving tests at risk of being cancelled as examiners held a one-day strike over pay.About 50 driving examiners at test centres across the county were expected to strike as part of a day of action, which nationally could mean up to 4,000 tests could be cancelled.

Union offficials said up to 8,500 members working for the Department for Transport (DfT) and five of its agencies were expected to take part in the action over pay.

Regional centres controlling the flow of motorway traffic, including the M54, were also expected to be disrupted while the half yearly introduction of new number plates was also set to be hit.

The strike involves staff with the Driving Standards Agency, which delivers driving tests; the Driver and Vehicle Licencing Agency; and the Highways Agency, which controls motorway and traffic flows.

Members with the Vehicle Certification Agency and the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency were also taking part in the strike today organised by the Public and Commercial Services Union.

In action has already affected driving tests centres in Shrewsbury, Telford, Ludlow and Whitchurch, and the VOSA goods vehicles test centre in Shrewsbury.

A centre in Shrewsbury where lorry drivers take their tests was also affected, while a picket line was formed this morning at the DVLA centre on the town’s Battlefield Enterprise Park.

Stewart Williams, driving examiners branch chairman with the PCS, said: “We hope the public will be sympathetic. The people involved want fair pay for a fair day’s work.”