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Topics: Police matters

IAM RoadSmart welcomes plans to reduce driving test waiting times

IAM RoadSmart welcomes plans to reduce driving test waiting times


IAM RoadSmart Director of Policy and Standards Nicholas Lyes said: “We welcome the Government’s plans to ban the resale of driving test appointments though it should work with ADIs to ensure this is done in a way that minimises disruption. Many learner drivers have struggled to find test slots and have been confronted with unacceptable delays while at the same time third parties have been prof

Make Sure You Have a Safe Festive Journey

Make Sure You Have a Safe Festive Journey


With Christmas just around the corner, you might be planning to hit the road to spend the festive season with family or friends. They might be ready for you, but is your car ready for the journey?


Here are some top tips to help your trip go smoothly:



Is your vehicle ready for the journey?


Check you have plenty of fuel or charge for the journey. You

Motorists perform risky manoeuvres and divert to dangerous rural roads to avoid motorway traffic jams

Motorists perform risky manoeuvres and divert to dangerous rural roads to avoid motorway traffic jams

Nearly one third of those surveyed admitted to performing a U-turn and more than half divert to country lanes
More than half of motorists are diverting from motorways to potentially less safe rural roads to avoid traffic jams and congestion, according to new research [i].
IAM RoadSmart, Britain’s leading road safety charity, found that over the last twelve months, 51% of drivers have divert

Road Safety charity celebrates achieving ‘Investing in Volunteers’ status

Road Safety charity celebrates achieving ‘Investing in Volunteers’ status


IAM RoadSmart announces its first Investing in Volunteers award



Britain’s leading road safety charity IAM RoadSmart has been awarded the prestigious Investing in Volunteers award.


The charity, which has around 5,000 volunteers across the country that help to deliver its driver and rider courses, received the accolade in recognition of volunteer management. <

IAM RoadSmart issues warning ahead of Storm Darragh (updated following red warning)

IAM RoadSmart issues warning ahead of Storm Darragh (updated following red warning)

IAM RoadSmart Director of Policy and Standards Nicholas Lyes said: “Strong winds associated with Storm Darragh are likely to make driving and riding conditions difficult and potentially dangerous. We would advise avoiding travelling in the worst of the weather and where red warnings have been issued. If you do need to travel, motorists should exercise caution when passing high-sided vehicles on ex

REACTION: Response to this morning's Transport Committee session on driving test availability

REACTION: Response to this morning's Transport Committee session on driving test availability

IAM RoadSmart Director of Policy and Standards Nicholas Lyes said: “Although the proactive work from the DVSA has made a difference in bringing down national waiting times for practical driving tests, the reality is that there are some pockets of the country where waiting times remain stubbornly high which will be a source of frustration for novice drivers hoping to discard their L-plates. Long wa

Mastering the Maze of Christmas Shopping Parking

Mastering the Maze of Christmas Shopping Parking


Most of us are deep into the Christmas shopping frenzy by now, and for those braving the bustling, festive streets, it can be "snow joke" trying to find a parking spot in a busy shopping centre or street. IAM RoadSmart has some top tips to help your journey go smoothly.

Stay Up to Date

Firstly, is it safe to drive? Check the weather report for your area before you set off. I

REACTION: IAM RoadSmart responds to the latest reported road casualties in Great Britain in 2024

REACTION: IAM RoadSmart responds to the latest reported road casualties in Great Britain in 2024

This comes after the government's release of the latest provisional reported road casualty statistics to the end of June 2024 earlier this morning.

IAM RoadSmart Director of Policy and Standards Nicholas Lyes said: “Provisionally, the number of fatalities on our roads remains stubbornly high and underlines the importance of the government’s commitment to an updated road safety strategy. Of

IAM RoadSmart issues warning for strong winds and snow from Storm Bert

IAM RoadSmart issues warning for strong winds and snow from Storm Bert

Richard Gladman, Chief Examiner for IAM RoadSmart, said: "Heavy snow is expected on Saturday, so people living in amber areas where warnings have been issued should consider whether their journey is really necessary; roads will be hard to navigate, and motorists could become stranded. If you really do need to head out in the snow, you can keep yourself and others safe by keeping your distance from

IAM RoadSmart reaction to DfT's motorcycles in bus lanes consultation outcome

IAM RoadSmart reaction to DfT's motorcycles in bus lanes consultation outcome

IAM RoadSmart Director of Policy and Standards Nicholas Lyes said: “We’re disappointed by the decision to not proceed with giving motorcyclists default access to bus lanes. Given motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable road users we believe this policy could have saved lives. We will work with others in the sector, including the National Motorcyclists Council to continue to campaign for this i

Stay Safe on the Roads: Essential Tips for Driving and Riding in Late Autumn Weather

Stay Safe on the Roads: Essential Tips for Driving and Riding in Late Autumn Weather


As autumn fully settles in, the air grows colder, and foggy mornings become a regular occurrence. Navigating through this misty weather can be challenging, but with some preparation, you can ensure both your safety and comfort. Whether you are planning a weekend getaway or commuting to work, being ready for the occasional foggy conditions of late autumn is crucial. Here are some tips to help y

IAM RoadSmart responds to news that private e-scooter use may be legalised on public roads

IAM RoadSmart responds to news that private e-scooter use may be legalised on public roads

Responding to comments made by Transport Secretary Louise Haigh MP that the Government is considering legalising private e-scooter use on public roads:
IAM RoadSmart Director of Policy and Standards Nicholas Lyes said: “We know that around half of all casualties involving e-scooters are outside of trial areas, which demonstrates the ‘wild west’ nature of private e-scooter misuse that is happeni

IAM RoadSmart launches in-vehicle technology content for drivers and fleet operators

IAM RoadSmart launches in-vehicle technology content for drivers and fleet operators


PRESS RELEASE – Embargoed until 0001, Thursday 7th November 2024


Drivers and fleet operators will benefit from access to detailed content on driving assistance features Course was developed in partnership with the Hi-Drive project and User Education Campaign led by FIA Region I and implemented by 11 Mobility Clubs in Europe

New advanced driver assistance systems (ADA

Avoiding Halloween Horror Breakdowns: IAM RoadSmart tips for a safe TRIP

Avoiding Halloween Horror Breakdowns: IAM RoadSmart tips for a safe TRIP


Planning a journey in advance is the key to having a nightmare-free drive. So if you’re going on a Halloween mini-break, follow these steps from National Highways to make sure you have a safe T.R.I.P:


Top-up your broomstick

Ensure your car or bike’s fuel tank or battery is full before hitting the road. Running out of fuel in the middle of nowhere can be a real nightmare!

Autumn Budget 2024 – IAM RoadSmart reaction

Autumn Budget 2024 – IAM RoadSmart reaction


IAM RoadSmart Reacts to Autumn Budget 2024: Highlights Fuel Duty Freeze

Announcements:

Fuel duty (frozen)

IAM RoadSmart Policy and Public Affairs Manager William Porter said: “We welcome the Chancellor’s decision to maintain the fuel duty cut, at least for now. Motorists have endured a torrid few years of high prices at the pumps and this decision will give them a much

IAM RoadSmart urges the Chancellor to take radical steps to save lives on the roads and boost the public purse in Autumn budget

IAM RoadSmart urges the Chancellor to take radical steps to save lives on the roads and boost the public purse in Autumn budget

The UK’s leading road safety charity, IAM RoadSmart, is calling on the Chancellor to take steps to both saves lives and reduce the impact of road traffic collisions in her Autumn Budget. By incentivising the take-up of additional road safety courses through the tax system, it will also help save motorists money as the UK emerges from a cost-of-living crisis.
With the cost of insurance hitting r

IAM RoadSmart issues warning for strong winds from Storm Ashley

IAM RoadSmart issues warning for strong winds from Storm Ashley

In line with a Met Office amber warning for strong winds in Northern Ireland and Western Scotland, IAM RoadSmart has issued a travel warning:
IAM RoadSmart Director of Policy and Standards Nicholas Lyes said: "Storm Ashley is the first named storm of the season and driving in exposed areas will be extremely difficult with the Met Office forecasting wind gusts of 70-80mph. People living in areas

Growing concern over road rage – with Gen Z and Millennials the angriest drivers

Growing concern over road rage – with Gen Z and Millennials the angriest drivers

New research[i]reveals that Gen Z and Millennials are responsible for beeping their horn the most

More than half (63%) of motorists aged 17-34 have sounded their horn to express anger at the behaviour of another road user in the past year, adding to concern about increasingly aggressive drivers.
Of the 2,000 people surveyed by IAM RoadSmart, the UK’s largest independent road safety chari

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Enhancing road safety for all

At IAM RoadSmart we make better drivers and riders. As the UK’s largest road safety charity, formed in 1956, we’ve spent more than 60 years making our roads safer by improving driver and rider skills through coaching and education. If you are interested in receiving additional driving and riding tips, journey blogs and information on all things relating to safer roads, or if you want to try your hand at becoming an advanced driver or rider sign up to become a member

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