THE LINK the newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists
Circulation 450 as hard copy or electronic no: 284 Jan 2017 zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Bristol Advanced Motorists
Registered Charity No 289807 a Local Group affiliated to the Institute of Advanced Motorists part of the IAM RoadSmart family run entirely by volunteers Group no: 1009
THE LI NK IAM RoadSmart
newsletter
Group Newsletter of the Year 2016
Dear Readers, Welcome to this issue of the Newsletter of the ‘local affiliate’ IAM RoadSmart support Group in Bristol. It is primarily about our club – Diary of Events, Group News, Group Activities, Driving News and Articles.
free clip art: QuotesIdeas.com
This issue is being “sent to all”, in Michael McIntyre fashion. If you have not yet renewed, please do so now. Read Marlene’s New Year Message, and read about the “Big Idea” of IAM RoadSmart CEO Sarah. Sounds like something out of ‘The Vicar of Dibley’, but it’s a serious proposition. Some materiel has been held-over, for space and/or copyright clearance reasons. But, Members, please send-in a contribution, or contact me to talk about what your Club is doing, or what you would like to see it do. Editor: Paul Hunt editor@iam-bristol.org.uk 0117 960 8494 21 De Verose Court Hanham BRISTOL BS15 3SW COPY DEADLINE for the next issue: Sat 18th February Word documents and jpeg images preferred but notepad, rich text, handwritten accepted – and real photo prints too. H
The LINK is produced every 2 months. It’s also displayed freely on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk Email notification of publication available on request. Body pages printed and collated by Parish Magazine Printing, Devon. Views expressed in this newsletter are those of the contributors. Those views do not necessarily represent those of the Editor, the Committee of Bristol Advanced Motorists, or of The Institute of Advanced Motorists. The Group reserves the right to edit or otherwise amend original materiel submitted for publication. If you wish to reproduce any materiel in other publications or places, then please credit the LINK, Bristol Advanced Motorists, as the source.
the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists
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Jan 2017
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Contents Welcome Chairman’s New Year Message IAM RoadSmart to become a new Animal in 2017 From the Treasurer / Advance on 2 wheels / Thought for the Day New Year – New Car? – New or Updated Driver? Recent Advanced Driver Test Successes £10 Bonus for an Associate ! Bristol Group General News – various items IAM RoadSmart HQ News – various items Meeting and Event Previews Club Central - DIARY DATES CONTACT US: who does what in the Group AB Dynamics – meeting report Visit to Haynes at Sparkford Modern Driver Coaching Seminar Club Sunday - 29th October Motorists’ Question Time Car VED rates from April 2017 Skittles Evening - 26th November Under-17 Courses locally Social Media and Advertising – the IAM RoadSmart view Social Media / Your old LINKs / Refresher Course IAM RoadSmart Advanced Driver Course / Course Dates / One-off Assessment
page 1 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 13 19 21 22 23 23 26 30 32 34 36 37 38 39 40
All content compiled by the Editor unless otherwise credited. Contributors this issue: Marlene Baker, Geoff Bevan, Barry Cash, Martin Evans, Tony Gilbert, Pete Goodman, Mike Hall, Paul Hunt, Nick Morgan, Clare Reeves, Sara Waterhouse, and IAM RoadSmart sources, especially Amanda Smith and Caroline Holmes Thank-you also to all people who assisted with research.
Photos by the Editor and Group sources, unless credited individually to someone, as either having taken it, or given permission for its use.
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Chairman’s New Year Message In October 2016 Lord Wolfson, the chief executive of Next, launched his £250,000 Wolfson Economics Prize, the richest in the UK. The winner will provide the best answer to the question: “How do we improve Britain's overcrowded and polluting roads?” "What I am hoping to achieve most of all is to stop people sitting in unnecessary traffic jams every day of their life wasting countless hours in traffic jams - that's the main purpose", Lord Wolfson said. Could we as members of Bristol Advanced Motorists put some thought to this? As you drive around, what do you do to avoid getting into queues? What causes a traffic jam apart from too many vehicles being in the same area at the same time? Yes, keeping the 2 second following rule, using ‘the System’, ensuring our vehicle is roadworthy, concentration and anticipation all help - and we are doing great work at getting as many drivers as we can to do the same - but the benefits are not measurable nor recognised. Send me your workable ideas – the prize is big but the benefit would be [ contact details on page 22 ] amazing. Other things: I look forward to seeing more of you at our Monthly Meetings. The forthcoming speakers are not to be missed. [ details: pages 19/21 ] Club Sunday on 29 January will be at Easter Compton Farm Shop. A chance to have a drive with an Observer to discuss any driving queries/ techniques. Chat to other members over a coffee. Arrive early for breakfast and then a drive or get help/advice on vehicle matters. This is where you, as members, can mould Club Sunday to your needs. I wish you all Happy Healthy and Safe Driving in 2017. MARLENE the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists
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Jan 2017
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IAM RoadSmart to become a New Animal in 2017
by the Editor
Long-term Members (such as myself) joined the Institute when it was mainly about the Advanced Driving Test, and when candidates were experienced drivers seeking confirmation their existing standard was good. Although, some were not good, the early pass rate being 50%.
The Institute as a Charity soon began to reach-out to ordinary members of the public who needed to improve their driving standard before standing a chance of passing the Test. Group Members, for example, assisted Police night-school courses by giving demonstration drives to pupils. This developed into giving candidates “criticise drives” in their own cars, which evolved into today’s guidance given by Group Observers on structured IAM RoadSmart Advanced Driver courses. In her festive seasonal address to Groups, through the Insight news-sheet, Institute CEO Sarah Sillars (right) points out that ‘active Group Members’ are not only members of a club, but are volunteers devoting their time, effort and passion into carrying out “charity work to help those less fortunate than themselves”, in our case by helping others to improve their standard of driving or riding. And she plans for that “charity work” concept to increase and to develop into a new thrust during 2017. She says that as IAM RoadSmart makes its “landmark rebranding”, and develops new “courses”, it must never forget that IAM RoadSmart is a charity. “We are here to save lives on the road; and the profits we make are ploughed back into road safety campaigns towards that goal.” With that in mind, the first meeting of the new ‘Regional Strategy Group’ [ No, I haven’t heard of them either – Ed.] was held on 03 December, bringing together 16 volunteers from Groups to examine the future development of IAM RoadSmart. The IAM RoadSmart ‘Big Idea’ – which has unanimous support from the Institute’s Trustees – is part of the plan. This will be the Institute’s own ‘big day’ annually, along the lines of Red Nose Day, World’s Biggest Coffee Morning, and Movember.
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The “big day” will involve Group Members proactively getting out and about and making real change, with a shared goal of wanting to save lives and reduce injuries caused by road crashes. Sarah admits this is an ambitious aim, which will take time to establish, but hopes that all 6,000 “active Group volunteers” will embrace the “big idea” as it is developed, as they are the means by which the “big day” will establish and grow, and “it will only work if you are all on board”; “We know how passionate you all are about wanting to improve lives for the better.” HQ will offer support, for example by giving away 1,000 ‘driver modules’ to new drivers under 25 in the top ten accident areas of the UK. Further news will follow.
From the Treasurer
Thank-you to all who have renewed as a result of the Renewal letters sent to all of our cash/cheque/SET payers in December. Your subs mean a lot and will help us continue providing Monthly Meetings and the newsletter, as well as spreading the Advanced Driving and Road Safety messages and running the Associate scheme for local Enrolled Associates. A Reminder letter is on its way to those of you who have not yet renewed. Please renew soon. There are plenty of you still to take action – at the time of writing there are 71 existing Members and 41 of our Upgraded Associates (who have ‘passed’ the Advanced Test in 2016).
Want to Advance on Two Wheels ? Bristol Advanced Motorcyclists is a separate IAM Motorbike Group, ten years old this past December. Newcomers, turn up at 09:00 on the FIRST SUNDAY of any month at Kings Oak Academy, Brook Road, Kingswood, BRISTOL BS15 4JT. (but NOT January) Get a free assessed ride, grab a bacon butty and a cup of tea. www.bamo.org.uk 01275 372637 membership@bam-members.org.uk
Thought for the Day –
about Advanced Driving
Learning should be fun. Both Trainer and Trainee should enjoy the experience. But, keep the Awareness raised when the Fun has passed.
the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists
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Jan 2017
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New Year – New Car? – New (or updated) Driver?
Try the IAM RoadSmart Advanced Driver Course - or our Refresher Members - promote the Bristol Group and the course to your friends, relatives, colleagues, and acquaintances. Remember for each one the £10 booty bonus – details on page 8. Word of mouth is a very effective means of creating awareness in these times of fragmented media.
Brand-new Vauxhall Viva SL awaiting collection, at Saltford Motor Services, Bristol photo: Editor
The second of our 2017 IAM RoadSmart Advanced Driver Courses starts at BAWA, Southmead Road, Filton on 19 April 2017. (Details on back page)
Do YOU know anyone who may be interested? Pre-booking is essential, and is done via our London Head Office. Phone 0300 303 1134 or visit https://www.iamroadsmart.com/courses/advanced-driver-course If you want more details from someone actually local here in Bristol, phone 0117 256 5555 for more information - or go to www.iam-bristol.org As always, the course is open to all drivers, irrespective of age. Good news for drivers aged 17 to 24 from Bristol and South Glos who join our IAM RoadSmart Advanced Driver course and pass the Test within 12 months is that they could get a full refund of the course fee (see piece on page 9 for details and conditions). Young drivers can also include this course, (taken with Bristol Group only) as part of a Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award scheme and again receive a full refund when they pass the Advanced Driver Test. And our existing Group Members? If you are not ‘a natural’, driving is a learnt skill which will degrade and wither away in as little as 3 years. So enrol on our Refresher – directly with us in Bristol – phone 0117 256 5555 and for just £39 get a full ‘no test, no fail’ course consisting of three seminars and six Observed drives individually-tailored to your needs. Page 6
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Recent ‘Test Successes’
Jan 2017
by Clare Reeves
Congratulations to these Bristol Group Associates who have recently been successful in the On-Road Assessment of IAM RoadSmart and have gained the Advanced Driver Qualification. Thanks also to their Observers. Member Certificates are now posted by the Institute direct to successful Associates. However, why not bring your Certificate to a Monthly Meeting or Associate Seminar, for a presentation and photo ? All successful Bristol Associates are Upgraded to Group Full Member until the next general Group renewal date. These are fortunate because of the time of year and will be the first on the list for renewal on 1st January 2018.
SUCCESSFUL ASSOCIATE DAWN BOSOMWORTH PAUL BRADLEY SANDRA BRADLEY KANE BURCHILL GEORGE CLUTTERBUCK CHARLIE EMSLEY MARY HART HENRY LOWE CAROLE RAINE JACKIE RAMSCAR CHARLES THOMAS
HIS/HER OBSERVER BRIAN HARTLEY BRIAN HARTLEY ALAN DUNN BARNABY ELLIS MARTIN BAKER PETE GOODMAN DAVE PENGELLY ANDREW NICHOLLS MAC MCGARRY GEOFF BEVAN GARY WILLIAMS
above: Henry Lowe (left) being presented with his Advanced Driver Certificate by IAM RoadSmart Examiner Andy Poulton at a recent Group Meeting. photo: Sara Waterhouse
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More Recent ‘Test Successes’
above: Alan Jones (right) being presented with his Advanced Driver Certificate by his Observer Martin Baker at a recent Group Meeting.
photo: Sara Waterhouse
Introduce a new Associate: receive a £10 bonus Current Members and Associates - refer a relative, friend or colleague. When he signs up and pays in full to take the IAM RoadSmart advanced driver course with us, get £10. Trial period. Terms & Conditions apply. Terms and Conditions: The offer applies to referees who take the IAM RoadSmart Advanced Driver Course exclusively with Bristol Advanced Motorists. Neither the Institute nor any other local Group is subscribing to nor taking part in this offer. The referrer must notify the Group with details of the person they will be referring before that person enters into the Course agreement with the Institute. Retrospective referrals will not be accepted. Only current Members and Associates of Bristol Advanced Motorists may claim a fee. There is no limit on the number of referrals any such person can make – there is £10 for each referral. Bristol Advanced Motorists reserves the right to withdraw the offer at any time.
For further information, call: 0117 256 5555 We currently have 57 active Associates in process in the Group.
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Bristol Group General News NEW INCENTIVE ON OFFER FOR BRISTOL CITY 17-24 DRIVERS As readers will know, since 2010 we have had funding from South Glos Council to incentivise statistically-vulnerable Young Drivers (age 17-24) to take the Advanced Driver Course. We had a similar scheme supported by Bristol City Council, but that funding ran-out in September 2014, leading to an “unfair, in-equal” situation. We saw that, elsewhere in the country, various Police and Crime Commissioner’s Community Funds support similar schemes; so our Secretary Martin applied to the Avon & Somerset Fund, and we are now pleased to announce that we have been awarded a £3,000 fund with which to incentivise Bristol-resident Young Drivers, using exactly the same conditions as the existing South Glos scheme. So, if you are a Young Driver who lives, works, or is in full-time education in the Bristol City Local Authority area, you could get a full refund of your Advanced Driver course fee if you ‘pass’ the IAMRS Advanced Driver Test before your 25th birthday. GROUP MONTHLY MEETINGS Attendance remains lower than we would wish, at only around 20 or 30 people. We cannot expect all of the 300+ Members and Associates to attend, but surely we could do better, seeing it is one of the main Group activities and we have very high-quality speakers? We are however attracting a good number of Visitors, so we have on hand at each meeting some spare copies of the LINK newsletter and of course some IAM RoadSmnart Advanced Driver Course leaflets/application forms. YOUNG DRIVER PROMOTION Our Young Driver Advocate Alex Gostelow (right) has attended a Filton College event, where he gave some presentations on Advanced Driving to students. The event was a in some ways a ‘learning curve’, but we plan to repeat a similar exercise and get more Group personnel involved next time. Alex also attended an Under-17 Car Club event at Castle Combe, and met Eloise, scheduled to be our speaker at the AGM. Apparently we are doing well just by having a Young Driver Advocate in place.
the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists
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Jan 2017
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SOCIAL MEDIA As mentioned elsewhere, new Member Henry Lowe has agreed to assist Alex Gostelow with the Group’s Social Media activity. Henry is pictured on page 7 receiving his Advanced Driver Certificate. CLUB SUNDAY VENUE CHANGE The first two events have been held at our standard venue of BAWA, which has a lot of advantages. However, some feel that it is a bit bland, that the coffee machine arrangements are not ideal, and that it is surrounded by ‘uninteresting’ urban roads. So, for January (Sunday 29th) a change of venue to the Easter Compton Farm Shop (on the B4055, Main Road, Easter Compton BS35 5RE) has been made. We are officially-booked-in so that we can legally use the private car park. The location is near open country roads, and has a café. So we can maybe improve our event by turning it into a “Breakfast Meet”. And of course you may wish to make a purchase or two from the Farm Shop itself. GROUP NEWS EMAILS – or ICS files INSTEAD? It has been suggested by two Members that the News emails sent out by our Publicity Officer about forthcoming meetings and events may be more effective if they were instead sent as an ICS or iCalendar file to form a direct entry to the Diary in the recipients’ mobile phones. However, whilst this may be useful for those with suitably-enabled mobile devices, it will require a new despatch system to be set-up and operated in parallel to the existing email system, and the Group volunteers simply have not got sufficient time at the moment. OBSERVER TEAM STANDARDS ON TARGET All of Bristol Group’s Observers are now “IMI qualified”.
IAM RoadSmart laid down a requirement a few years ago that for reasons of public perception of standards, consistency and professionalism, ALL Observers MUST become qualified under a new standard, to be externally-assessed by the Institute of the Motor Industry (the IMI), “by 2017”, in order to continue Observing. The process started in Bristol Group when Chief Observer Geoff Bevan became first to qualify on 23 March 2013. With a couple of the remaining Observers with the old-style ‘Qualified Observer’ status having resigned, on 14 January 2017 Dave Pengelly became the last to “convert” by passing a Test, so that all of the Group’s Observers are now ‘IMI qualified’, with 12 being National Observer (NO) and 13 being Local Observer (LO). 11 of the National Observers also act as what are known as Local Observer Assessors (LOAs). The Group also has 11 Trainee Observers on the books, all of whom will undergo training, culminating in taking the Test to become a Local Observer, the introductory level of IMI Observer qualification. Page 10
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MASTERS QUALIFICATIONS Although “Masters” is not directly related to the Observer Qualification, Chief Observer Geoff points out that 12 of the Group’s Observers hold “Masters with Distinction”. 5 of those are “Masters Mentors”, who are helping a further 7 Observers and Trainees who are studying for “Masters”.
TEAM LEADER CHANGES Bristol Group organises its Observers into 3 Teams, roughly geographically north, middle and south of our area, each with a broad spectrum mix of experience / qualifications. The purpose is to devolve Chief Observer responsibilities, systemise the training and communication process, create benchmarks and be able to compare standards. With recent changes, the three Team Leaders are now: Brunel Team: Bob Hawksley Cabot Team: Pete Goodman Colston Team: Dave Pengelly NEW OBSERVER TRAINING PROCESS SCHEMA INTRODUCED With effect from December 2016, Observer Training in the Group has been altered to speed-up the process, which has been taking up to a year, and therefore not encouraging or enthusing candidates. Currently, an Observer candidate completes the Further Advanced Driving course (FAD), which is a Bristol requirement of “driving standard” not used by other Groups, then undertakes the existing Bristol Observer Training course element including a further minimum of 7 drives over 3 units, before moving-on to the new IMI Local Observer qualification process. It is proposed that for those who want driver training only, FAD will remain a £39, 3 month course entity, with 4 seminars and 6 drives, culminating with a Roadcraft and Highway Code written exam, an on-road driving test and a FAD certificate. Those wanting to become an Observer will pay no fee, but have the 4 FAD seminars, then go straight on to the IMI Local Observer process, which effectively is now the new standard IAM RoadSmart Observer Training course. This will in effect incorporate part of the existing Bristol Observer Training course into the Local Observer training and make the recruitment process more efficient, faster and hopefully more enjoyable for the candidates. Existing Observers converting to Local Observer have required a minimum of assessment. However, as new Trainees will have never been in the ‘Observing seat’ before, Chief Observer Geoff suggests from experience that in the case of a new Trainee the minimum number of Local Observer Progress Drives required may need to be from 3 to 6 (depending on ability), plus of course the final Local Observer Test drive. the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists
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Jan 2017
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INSTITUTE MEMBERS AND EX-OBSERVERS GIVING UNOFFICIAL ADVANCED DRIVER GUIDANCE It has come to the Editor’s attention that some ex-Group Members, and ex-Observers, are actively out there in the local field giving ‘unofficial’ advanced driving guidance, on a free basis, to friends and acquaintances. Members may know that I resigned from Observing for personal reasons a year ago. (I don’t now give any guidance.) Another Member said to me in conversation, “You’ve resigned, but you’re still doing it, yes? “I’ve got three I’m guiding at the moment and Mr.X and Mrs.Y have got two each.” The ‘unofficial guidance’ is not "a problem" as such - unless people are disappointed if they "fail the Test" thinking they have not had good advice. In the Bristol area we have many "resigned, etc." Observers and although they are not qualified to the latest level they are still, in my opinion, quite competent in passing-on the ‘better driving’ and ‘road safety’ messages. Amanda Smith of IAM RoadSmart HQ tells me that in the last 4 years, in all the BS, BA and GL postcode areas, only 41 people have taken “Test and Membership” without going through a Group . This surprisingly low number suggests that many of the "pupils" involved in this ‘unofficial advice’ are not actually going forward for the Advanced Driver Test, but just have some specific driving concern that they wish to improve. In the past, before 2006 - when Associateship and the Test were paid for separately - Bristol Group would have mopped-up these people as Associates. Back then, one joined the Group as an Associate for £35 and made no commitment for any further payment, nor to take a Test, which was applied for separately and voluntarily. The introduction of 'Skill for Life' as an all-in "package" deterred, and put an end to such casual people from coming forward at all because of the high package cost. So the Group (and potentially IAM RoadSmart) lost that whole category of interested people. An Institute official recently admitted that the Institute had maybe “shot itself in the foot” by introducing the all-in package and thereby preventing the basic charity “driver improvement” message of the Groups cheaply reaching the casual driver who didn’t want to go the whole way to the Advanced Driver Test. Things certainly go in circles and have unexpected outcomes. NEW DRAFT GROUP HANDBOOK One of the main things to come out of Groups’ Conference is a new draft “Group Guidelines and Handbook”. The previous long-standing Handbook was much reduced in 2013 but this new draft is thicker than ever. The purpose seems confused, however, because instead of “How to run a Group” it seems more like “How to function as an provider of the IAM RoadSmart Advanced Driver Course”. “Consultation” continues. Page 12
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IAM RoadSmart ‘HQ’ News Some of the latest news items coming to light about goings-on at the Institute’s headquarters - which is in the process of re-locating to Welwyn Garden City: The IAM RoadSmart “BIG IDEA” Read about this on a separate page – page 4 . INSTITUTE HQ “UP AND RUNNING” IN WELWYN GARDEN CITY Many Institute Head Office functions had relocated by November to the new base of IAM RoadSmart in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, and as you read this, the transfer from Chiswick to Welwyn will be almost complete.
There was some disruption to communications in in the short term as a result. For Members and Associates the main Customer Care number remains as 0300 303 1134 . STAFF VACANCIES AT WELWYN GARDEN CITY (WGC) Many of the Institute’s existing office staff have not made the move to Welwyn Garden City, because of the distance. As a result, there are vacancies for Customer Care staff at the new contact centre. An advert on the IAM RoadSmart website has 2 pages of HR mumbo-jumbo incorporating the objective, “ensure that all customers receive a professional and high quality service in all of their interactions with IAM RoadSmart”. It also says that, “good numeracy, literacy and IT skills are required”, and also, interestingly, “holds a current and valid Driving Licence”, (whereas we understand many of the Chiswick-based admin staff were non-drivers). The role description also says that “a good understanding of UK geography would be useful”. Surely, for dealing with Groups and customers across the country, that should instead be, “A thorough test of UK geography will be part of the interview process.” ? ? the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists
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Jan 2017
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FIELD TEAM RESTRUCTURING – 8 NEW MANAGERS The volunteer Regional Co-ordinators were replaced by four pairs of Service and Quality Managers. All change now, because the country has been divided into 8 new ‘Areas’ (half the size of the previous ‘Regions’), with an Area Service Delivery Manager (ASDM) appointed for each. We quote: “Each of the Area Service Delivery Managers is responsible for managing IAM RoadSmart’s overall business development and operational service delivery within his designated area in relation to the delivery of driving and riding operations, customer service and sales team support. “This role will see him liaising closely with IAM RoadSmart’s appointed training and examining representatives such as Groups, Observers, Examiners, Fleet Trainers, and IAM RS ADIs, etc. He is responsible for ensuring that all IAM RoadSmart standards and qualifications are implemented and adhered to, and regularly quality assessed. He will also oversee the recruitment and Continuous Professional Development of all IAM RoadSmart training and examining representatives. “He will also work closely with the IAM RoadSmart Groups in his area with a view to helping them continue to grow IAM RoadSmart advanced driver and rider recruitment. In addition he will develop and manage ongoing relationships with external organisations and partnerships such as Safer Road Partnerships, Under 17 Club and IAM RoadSmart skills events etc.” The new Manager for the South West Area, which includes Bristol, is Shaun Cronin, known to us already. In this launch photo (below) with Sarah Sillars and Amanda Smith, he’s third from left back row, striped shirt.
Editor’s note: This is apparently not the full story, because it looks like all
the Managers are not equal. Shaun, for example, oversees 3 Areas, and has the title: Regional Service Delivery Team Manager (Southern). Page 14
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THE NEW ‘AREAS’ Area 1 South West England Area 2 South East England Area 3 East Central England and Anglia Area 4 West Central England and South Wales Area 5 East Midlands and Yorkshire Area 6 North Wales and North West England Area 7 East Scotland and North East England Area 8 West Scotland and Northern Ireland
(note that slightly different names appear in different communications)
THANKS FROM HQ – TO GROUP VOLUNTEERS A quote from Welwyn HQ – “We would to thank all our Group volunteers for their hard work in 2016. We realise how much time and skills you provide as active volunteers within our Group network. From running our 200 Groups to handling 7,000 Associates each year, providing inspiration, dedication and keeping our Group network functioning. Without you there would not be an IAM RoadSmart and we recognise and say a huge thank-you for all your efforts over the past year.” the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists
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Jan 2017
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NEW ‘MODULE’ SHORT COURSES ON TRIAL – BUT LOCAL GROUPS ARE NOT INVOLVED IAM RoadSmart has announced that it will begin a pilot of short courses of a ‘Modular Learning’ style in February 2017 – which address specific driving concerns for both “commercial, fleet drivers” and “general consumers’’, to answer “customer demand”. The ‘Module Titles’, each lasting between 60 and 90 minutes, and each of which can be bought singly, with no further commitment, are: Driving on Motorways Driving on Rural Roads Driving on Urban Roads Vehicle Management Overtaking Parking and manoeuvring (Another title, “Dealing with Other Road Users and Distractions” seems to have been withdrawn from the list at the last moment.) However, local Groups will play no part in this project. The ‘Modules’ can only be delivered by DVSA-registered IAM RoadSmart Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs), and furthermore only purchased and booked through IAM RoadSmart HQ booking systems. This is to remain within the Institute’s accreditation by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to deliver ‘Advanced Driving and Riding coaching’ and to adhere to their strict guidelines on the delivery of driver training. The new ‘Modules’ are not “advanced driving”, rather, sessions developed for those who do not wish to take the advanced course at present – but who just want to work on discrete areas of driving they feel warrant some attention. IAM RoadSmart has said to Groups: “Whilst Groups may be disappointed that these courses will not be available for them to deliver, our research indicates that smaller, bite-size courses can lead to an awakening of interest in wider up-skilling. During our interaction with new customers who opt to take these ‘modular’ sessions, we will of course actively promote IAM RoadSmart’s local Group network, and we are very hopeful that customers will be encouraged to embark on the full Advanced Driver Course and sign up with a local Group.” Editors Notes: 1. The first incarnation of modern ‘Modules’, about 2 years ago, was indeed intended for delivery by Groups, either individually or as a class. Guidance Manuals were made available to some Groups (including Bristol) to guide ‘selected Observers’ on the content. No ‘class’ sessions took place in Bristol but a few one-to-one Modules were delivered – e.g. Night Driving.
( continued over )
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2. Go back to 1970s/1980s and Bristol Group was way ahead of the curve. Bristol Group advertised and ran ‘Motorway Driving courses’ on a regular basis, when at that time motorways were relatively new. 3. Separately, in time, the Institute plans to split the existing Advanced Driver Syllabus into component sections, and when done Groups will indeed be able to deliver the ‘modular advanced driving/riding course’. OLIVER IS AN IAM ROADSMART EXAMINER Oliver Fullerton of St Helens Group in Lancashire, at the age of just 23 has become an IAM RoadSmart Examiner, under the new qualification criteria announced recently. Oliver only enrolled as an Associate in January 2014 and ‘passed’ his Advanced Driving Test in March 2014. He became qualified as an Observer in September 2015 and as a National Observer in July 2016. Not satisfied with that, he then gained his Masters with distinction in September 2016 and in October 2016 also passed his IAMRS ADT on a ‘Commercial Vehicle’ and gained a F1RST. NEW “FELLOW” MEMBERSHIP TIER LAUNCHING JANUARY 2017 Following a “fantastic response” to the idea of a new Fellow level of Membership unveiled at the recent Groups Conference at Birmingham in October, IAM RoadSmart plans to launch it in January 2017. A new Member will opt for this category upon taking the Advanced Driver Test. An increased annual fee of £49 will apply, which pays for a mandatory re-test every 3 years. The concept is, “fail and you’re drummed-out”, but the practicalities of this, and arrangements for a re-test if needed, will need be defined between the time of the Conference draft and ‘launch’. Apparently there will be ‘enhanced benefits’ and recognition for the Fellow Member, no upper age limit for Insurance, free legal help, free breakdown cover, a ‘Fellow Register’ and badge, and ‘priority status’ for events and activities, whatever that may mean. At first glance, these extras must be either financially unsustainable, subsidised by someone else, and/or of poor quality. Again, this needs sorting before launch.
the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists
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Jan 2017
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IAM ROADSMART FIELD EVENTS – WI LADIES BEHIND THE WHEEL In the last (November) LINK issue, we reported that the NFWI (National Federation of Women’s Institutes) had collaborated with IAM RoadSmart to organise a one-day driving event in April 2016 for WI Members. 125 ladies attended the event at Wroxall Abbey Hotel and Estate in Warwickshire for seminars, off-road manoeuvring practice – real-life examples including parallel parking, turnin-the-road and even cones that mimicked a spiral multistorey car park ramp - and an on-road driving assessment, designed both to build confidence and refresh skills.
Images used for the event – “RoadSmart” hadn’t got through, and green is the WI colour after all !!
A follow-up event was held in September for those on the waiting list, this time at the British Motor Museum in Gaydon. This was oversubscribed, so the event was doubled from the initial size, to cater for 60 ladies to take part in the exercises and seminars.
Similar WI days will be held in 2017 at motor museums in Cumbria, Warwickshire and Somerset. The NFWI is also working with IAM RoadSmart to plan a series of one-day ‘bespoke driving events’ for WI members in 2017, including activities such as skidpans and under-17 driving for Member’s children or grandchildren. WI Ladies can register their interest via the NFWI’s Helen Neal, t: 01865 391788 extn.279 or e: h.neal@nfwi-unit.org.uk
above: At the Gaydon event, award-winner WI Member Maria Kitson (of Market Bosworth WI, Leicestershire and Rutland Federation) with IAM RoadSmart Events Manager Dave Shenton (left) and colleagues Peter Rowland and Pete Doherty. Source text and photo: © Copyright NFWI. WI Life magazines Jul and Nov 2016. Both reproduced with the express permission of Hattie Parish, NFWI, London.
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Gaydon – British Motor Museum - Trip Saturday 18th February 2017 Bristol Pegasus Motor Club is visiting the British Motor Museum at Gaydon in Warwickshire, at a reduced rate of £9 per person instead of the normal £12 cost. BPMC has kindly opened up the visit to IAM Bristol members at the same rates so contact Pete to book as soon as possible. The museum features a new 'Collections Centre', opened in November 2015 as a store for the reserve car collections of both the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust and the Jaguar Heritage Trust. A behind the scenes tour of this has been organised. We could combine the visit with a nice early morning drive up the Fosse Way starting from, say, the Cross Hands at Old Sodbury. Any queries to: Pete Goodman
meetings@iam-bristol.org.uk
Royal Mint – Llantrisant - Trip Friday 10th March 2017 We would be looking at taking the Tour starting at 11:00am, so we would need to leave Bristol by 09:00 / 09:30. For full information, search for “The Royal Mint Experience” online. Prices £13.50 per person (£12 Senior). Group visits may need pre-booking. Severn Bridge toll £6.70 per car (payable westbound only). We could do a further local visit in the afternoon or take a tour back via the Brecons. If you are interested contact Malcolm Coles at: malandcon@platohosting.com or Text: 07909 691 489
Bristol Group Driving Day – in Wales Saturday 18th March 2017 A Bristol Group Driving Day, based around the Honey Café near Talgarth. This will be an all-day event, involving Breakfast, Lunch and Tea! For details and to reserve a place, contact: Pete Goodman
meetings@iam-bristol.org.uk
Future Monthly Meeting Speakers January February March April AGM May -
Sue Mountstevens, Avon & Somerset PCC Richard Gladman, IAMRS Head of Driving Standards Chris Biggs - Wings over Filton post WW2 Eloise Peabody-Rolf, IAMRS Young Driver Ambassador “Steam around Bristol” - details in next issue
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Jan 2017
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January Monthly Meeting - Preview MEETINGS FOR 2017 Join us in January, when Police & Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens starts off another series of interesting speakers for 2017.
‘Club Sunday’ Sunday 29th January - from 10:00 am Change of venue – now at Easter Compton Farm Shop – you can even stock-up on some provisions from the shop. These are informal social meets, open to all Members and Associates. Associates – come along for a demonstration Experience Drive to see the whole “picture on the box” of Advanced Driving – or just to have an informal Observed drive with a different Observer. Members – have a chat – talk about cars and driving – or something else. Even do some driving (if you wish). Coffee will be provided free. Any queries to: Pete Goodman
meetings@iam-bristol.org.uk
Trips – #1 Gaydon – #2 Royal Mint See Previous Page for Details
Presentation at Worcester Group – by Reg Local Monday 27th February 2017 Tony Gilbert says: Anyone who has been reading advanced driving Internet forums over the last few years is likely to have come across the name 'Reg Local'. Reg is a former Police driving instructor who now offers driver coaching. He has also written two books on the subject. He produces videos explaining driving topics (available on YouTube), and has a down-to-earth, non-patronising way of getting information across. You can learn more about what he does on his website: http://www.reglocal.com Reg will be Worcester Group’s guest speaker on Monday 27 February and I’m intending to go along to hear him speak. If any other Bristol Group members would like to join me, we can share a car(s) and split the petrol costs. I’d anticipate leaving Bristol by 5:30pm, returning by 11pm. If you’d like to come along, please let me know: Tony Gilbert: Page 20
development@iam-bristol.org.uk
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INFORMING YOU WHAT’S FORTHCOMING IN
Bristol Advanced Motorists
Dates of Meetings – Members and Administration JANUARY Tue
17
Introduction to Observing for prospective Observers
Wed 18
IAM RoadSmart Advanced Driver Course - Seminar One. BAWA 7:30pm Pre-booking essential - see page 40
Tue
Monthly Meeting BAWA Pavilion 7:30pm for 7:45 start speaker: PCC Sue Mountstevens
24
Wed 25
Advanced Driver Course - Seminar Two. BAWA 7:30pm
Sun
Bristol Group ‘Club Sunday’ - from 10:00 am Note change of venue – now at Easter Compton Farm Shop These are informal social meets, open to all Members and Associates. See opposite page for details
29
FEBRUARY Tue
14
Exec Committee Meeting - second Tuesday each month If you wish to raise an issue, contact the Group Chairman
Sat
18
Visit - British Motor Museum, Gaydon – See page 19 for details
Mon
27
Attend a Worcester Group Meeting – Speaker: Reg Local See opposite page for details
Tue
28
Monthly Meeting BAWA Pavilion 7:30pm for 7:45 start speaker: Richard Gladman of IAM RoadSmart Head of Driving and Riding Standards
MARCH Wed 08
Advanced Driver Course – seminar 3 – Meet an Examiner BAWA 7:30pm ALL BRISTOL ASSOCIATES WELCOME, WHATEVER YOUR STAGE IN GUIDANCE
Fri
10
Visit – Royal Mint, Llantrisant – See page 19 for details
Sat
18
Bristol Group Driving Day – based at Talgarth, Wales See opposite page for details
Sun
26
Driving Assessments for the Public – from 10:00 Based at Yate Fire Station
Tue
28
Monthly Meeting BAWA Pavilion 7:30pm for 7:45 start speaker: Chris Biggs, Wings over Filton post WW2
APRIL Tue
25
AGM BAWA Pavilion 7:30pm for 7:45 start Speaker: Eloise Peabody-Rolf, Young Driver Ambassador
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Jan 2017
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Who does what
www.iam-bristol.org.uk
in Bristol Group & their contact details
TO ENQUIRE ABOUT how Bristol Group runs
the IAM RoadSmart Advanced Driver Course contact:
associates@iam-bristol.org.uk
ADVERTISED ENQUIRY NUMBER:
0117 969 1746
0117 256 5555
Executive Committee, Bristol Advanced Motorists 01454 619289 chairman@iam-bristol.org.uk 07714 992 639 vice-chairman@iam-bristol.org.uk 0117 979 8061 secretary@iam-bristol.org.uk Hhairman@iam-bristol.org.ukTH 0117 960 8494 treasurer@iam-bristol.org.uk 07714 992 639 database@iam-bristol.org.uk 0117 960 8494 editor@iam-bristol.org.uk
Chairman
Marlene Baker
Vice Chairman
Andy Cole
Secretary
Martin Evans
Treasurer
Paul Hunt
Database Administrator
Andy Cole
Newsletter Editor
Paul Hunt
Associates Administrator
Clare Reeves
Publicity Officer
Geoff Bevan
Training Administrator
Mark Gollop
Membership Development
Tony Gilbert
associates@iam-bristol.org.uk HT 0117 969 1746 01453 860365 publicity@iam-bristol.org.uk Contact via: 01453 860365 chiefobserver@iam-bristol.org.uk 07973 730 498 development@iam-bristol.org.uk
Committee Minute Taker
Brenda Smyth
bbristolbristol.org.uk minutes@iam-bristol.org.uk
Monthly Meeting Organiser
Pete Goodman
meetings@iam-bristol.org.uk 0117 960 5367
Social Organisers
Pete Goodman Pamela Parnham
see Pete’s contact details above
Young Driver Advocate
Alex Gostelow
ydn@iam-bristol.org.uk 07914 204 326
Andrew Nicholls
01749 860321 display@iam-bristol.org.uk
Other Post Holders
Group Display Boards & LINK mailing organiser Facebook & Twitter Chief Observer and Web Administrator
Geoff Bevan
Contact via Geoff, Publicity H 01453 860365 chiefobserver@iam-bristol.org.uk
Several other Members assist voluntarily in the running of the Group. We would welcome more, particularly to cover the roles of Field Publicity Organiser & Helpers. PHOTOGRAPHY NOTICE: Please note that by attending the Meetings and Driver Guidance Sessions of Bristol Advanced Motorists, you agree to your image being captured and used to promote Bristol Advanced Motorists and its activities. This may include in our newsletter, on our website or for general promotion. If you wish to withhold your permission, please contact the Group Secretary.
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Anthony Best Dynamics Ltd
Matt Hubbard, (right), Technical Director of AB Dynamics of Bradford on Avon, gave a fascinating talk at the Group’s October meeting, which was very well received by those who attended, says our reporter Mike Hall. Matt explained how he joined (what was then) a small company, which had started in 1982, which has now grown to become a global player in vehicle testing machinery - Laboratory Test Systems, Driving Robots, Autonomous Vehicle Testing, ‘Soft’ Vehicle Targets, Steering Testing, Noise and Vibration Testing, Telemetry and GPS Motion Tracking Systems. Matt included some fascinating video footage, and covered the subject in a very enthusiastic manner which kept the audience fascinated. From Suspension Compliance Machines through Driving Robots to Autonomous Vehicle Track Testing Systems, Matt covered an extensive and detailed topic at a level which held the audience riveted, and generated many questions during the evening. The video footage he included was incredible – watching the test robots driving cars around the test circuits, including their manually changing gear had to be seen to be believed! It was fascinating for anyone remotely interested in cars, driving, their safety systems and the testing of the complete package. It was a pity not more members were there, for one of the best meetings of the year. ABD’s website is http://www.abd.uk.com/en for more detail - and it does include a few video clips of various test programmes.
Visit to Haynes at Sparkford
Sunday 6th November
Group Members joined others from the Bristol Pegasus Motor Club for a visit to Haynes Motor Museum at Sparkford. Members first gathered at the Breakfast Club meet, with the Museum restaurant open for breakfast. Proceedings continued with entry to the Museum, and a special guided Museum tour led by our Weston and Mendip Group colleague Ken Crane, who also volunteers at the Museum. No report has been submitted to the Editor. We understand that six Bristol Group Members attended, and that “it was a good day out”. The accompanying photos here are all by Bristol Group Member Tony Gilbert. the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists
Page 23
Jan 2017
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Our party in the Red Room.
above: Tour in progress with guide Ken Crane.
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The striking new Museum frontage.
above: Star of the show. The 1931 Duesenberg Model J, some say worth ÂŁ8million.
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Modern Driver Coaching Seminar Saturday November 26th saw this event take place at BAWA. It was laid-on by Bristol Group, using the £1,000 Group Achievement Award that the Group won at the 2015 IAM RoadSmart Groups’ Conference. Originally it was intended as a free internal event for Bristol Group’s Observers, but then it was opened-up to other Groups (for a £25 fee) to expand it to a bigger and better event. On the day, 21 Bristol Group Observers attended, with another 87 paying attendees from other Groups. These came from as far as Plymouth, Southampton and London – with one chap actually coming from Scarborough! A few were Motorcycle Observers. The Driver Training Industry has moved-on, and the DVSA is looking to use a Learner-centred “coaching” technique rather than “teaching-at” pupils. IAM RoadSmart is looking at this too, with Observers in future using a modern “coaching technique” when sitting alongside an Associate or Trainee Observer. Moving to such a method is a big adjustment, and this event was designed to help with it by explaining the reasons for the new approach and giving some practical demonstrations of how it can be practically applied. The four speakers were the top experts in the field of driver training, and the aim was to supplement Observer skills, ease the process of IMI Observer qualification, and help Observers develop and deliver first class modern coaching. Ian Edwards is a freelance consultant and one of the leading driver coaching practitioners in the UK. He is both a top-grade ADI and an academic in the field of driver improvement, learning theory and Road Safety. His presentation covered development of the theory and practice of learning techniques, both physical and psychological. Ian was involved with research which led to the European GDE matrix (Goals for Driver Education) which appears in Roadcraft and lists a requirement for self-assessment for continuous improvement. His presentation covered this, and investigated what driving is – skills-based, rules-governed or an expressive activity, concepts of vision, reaction, risk assessment, impulse, learning processes – which led to the advantages of coaching, in that the candidate learns to develop himself. Louise Walsh was 17 years a midwife before changing career – she’s been an ADI for the last 7 years. Husband Blaine has been an ADI for 25 years. Louise said that during her training to become an ADI she thought something was wrong – she was not enjoying it. After a break she came back and took up client-centred coaching. “It seemed a load of rubbish at first”, she said, but after a very short time she “had a light bulb moment” and hasn’t looked back. She’s now an ADI trainer, teaches learners and provides courses and is a total convert to client-centred coaching, using it all the time. Louise’s presentation described the practicalities of coaching and was really outstanding. She described Client-centred Learning as having the same Lesson Content but different “Conversations”. Lessons must be adapted to each individual pupil, encouraging them to take responsibility, analyse,
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understand and reflect on their performance. Louise showed some example in-car video footage of herself in action. Because the technique is “different”, it at first looked bland, impersonal, indeed somewhat stunted, until one came to realise what was going on. The “coach” gave no encouragement or praise (both people have the same status); it was all put in the hands of the pupil, who must assess himself. All questions are self-assessment based, and even negative things can be approached in a positive way. A good question is one that you couldn’t possibly know the response to: “What went well about that?” Even better, “What do you think went well about that?” And don’t ask directly, “What is the speed limit here?” but, “What factors are you taking into account when you have chosen your speed to drive here?” If the whole story is not forthcoming, ask, “Anything else?” This technique exhausts the pupil’s knowledge and understanding. Continuing with, “Can I give you another factor?”, opens up communication channels and makes the pupil feel good, unlike traditional questions, which close down discussion. Stephen Haley is mainly known for authoring the book Mind Driving. He brings a fresh, modern approach to road driver skills. Your “car handling” may be OK - but driving is not just a “hands and feet” exercise. Driving is all about what you do before you operate the controls. Indeed, the majority of safe driving skills are about thinking, not about actioning. The driver is the heart of the hazard – he carries the danger in to the situation. How he decides what to do needs practical thinking skills. Stephen talked around the various factors which need thinking about - Beliefs, Attitudes, Dangers, Risks – and how a “coaching” approach can assist in getting these thoughts over to a pupil.
above: Assembled in the Concorde Room with Martin (left) about to kick things off. Memories of when Group Meetings used to be this size, 20 years ago!
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above: Ian Edwards in full flow. below: Louise Walsh in action. Blaine is sitting down on the job.
More information:
Page 28
Internet search these key words: Ian Edwards edriving solutions Louise Walsh louise walsh driving instructor Stephen Haley skilldriver.org
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above left: Stephen Haley does the early afternoon session. above right: Prize for furthest travel: Ian Goring from Scarborough. (photo: Paul Hunt) below: Wash-up Q&A with (l-r) Martin, Stephen, Ian, Louise and Blaine.
Secretary Martin later summed-up the day by saying it had given some practical ideas which could be taken and used straight away. He said that there had been positive feedback and delegates could have listened to the speakers for longer. the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists
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Jan 2017
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Club Sunday
Sunday October 29th saw the second of these events. They are held on the Sunday after the second Seminar of each Associate course. Traditionally, Associates met at BAWA to receive a 45-minute general Demonstration Drive to give “the whole picture on the box” of what the Advanced Driving ‘jigsaw’ looked like, before starting on their structured “one-to-one” guidance with their assigned Observer. Last July, committee decided to expand these meetings by opening-up to ALL Associates and Members, to create a “Club” atmosphere. This would hopefully show Associates that there is more to the Group than just an Associate course, and maybe encourage them to stay with the Group after their Advanced Driving Test. And secondly, to give Members an additional social activity.
clockwise from top left: Busy at BAWA with the Computer Fair and roadworks in the car park. Let’s have a ‘heated debate’ in the car park. Peter Huntington (far left) seems puzzled by the workings of the coffee machine. Pete (out of shot) lays out the plan in Room 7. (all photos in this piece by the Editor)
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above (all three): On the road in Vince Robertson’s Triumph GT6. 1970’s noise, vibration and harshness. Sitting so low that the bonnet looks like an aircraft carrier deck. below. Ladies together. Chairman Marlene Baker (right) off on a demonstration drive with Associates Jackie Ramscar and Dawn Bosomworth. The original purpose of the days. (Both girls have since passed the Test.)
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Jan 2017
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MQT (Motorists’ Question Time) Taking a lead from the BBC’s ‘Gardeners Question Time’, for the November Meeting we assembled a panel to answer your questions on Driving, the Group and IAM RoadSmart. The “panel of experts” on the top table were: ● Pete Goodman Observer, also a Motorcycle Member and member of Pegasus Motor Club. ● Andy Poulton IAM RoadSmart Examiner. ● Martin Evans Group Secretary, Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) and also acting as host.
above: Pete, Andy and Martin fielding questions and Roger preparing to draw the Raffle.
photo: Sara Waterhouse
Questions didn’t have to be ‘advanced driving’-related and so many topics cropped-up. The different ‘IAM RoadSmart’ Tests Normal Advanced Test - Competent F1RST - More competent, more perfection and discipline Masters - Progressive, overtaking, spirited, lively, stealth (over 400 have taken Masters, with an 85.8% pass rate - 44% of those with distinction. Think of the 5 Ps – perfection, performance, precision, presence and progress. Fellow - As normal Test, but pay higher subs which includes a compulsory retest every 3 years. Drummed-out of Institute upon failure. Could be more relevant to the ordinary Member than F1RST or Masters. Does that other organisation, “RoSPA”, still exist? Yes, but no branch in Bristol. Organisation has less than a tenth of the Members of IAM RoadSmart. Page 32
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Does track-driving improve road driving capability? You can feel the car nearer the limit. Style doesn’t transfer to the road, but it gives confidence in extreme situations on the road. Insurance Black Boxes Early version used in Bristol Group WST project 6 years ago. Measures inputs of g-force. Sideways regarded as reckless and braking suggests something has gone wrong. Not restricted to young, but marketed at them. Advise to Insurance company if on a driving course. Car fires Design faults; More electronics; Testing doesn’t reveal all problems (re LINK, last issue). Increase in arson cases. What is common Insurance claim? In car parks. Spaces have not increased in size. IAMRS is lobbying Government. Whose fault? Ours, for buying ‘too big’ cars. Government and Local Councils do not want car parks or cars. Does 20 mean 20? Yes. At 26 you are prosecuted. At 25, get away with ‘Naughty School’. Insurance tends to increase if you take points or do a course. How do you thank at night? Hand signal is not visible. Switch lights off and on. Although a problem with auto-lights. How can you improve after the Test? You can always improve – AP. Nowadays, notice that the Driving Plan is sometimes lacking in detail. Need to consider, “What to do if things turn out unexpectedly?” If no contingency plan, whole plan falls apart. Why is ‘heel and toe’ not taught? Controversial, with brake-gear overlap. Not possible with modern tech such as brake-accelerator over-ride. EBA and other controls disrupted. Modern alternative is trail braking, but not recommended for Associates. Question from Mark Fuller: “My wife doesn’t understand me, or my car, or my driving.” Car maintenance can be learnt on a College course. Sign her up to an Advanced Driving course. You can always get a new wife - Easy to obtain via the Internet. In summary, Secretary Martin said, “An interesting, informative and entertaining evening of motoring discussion.”
Any non-members reading this – our meetings are open to all, with free admission. Although, you can buy a Raffle Ticket or two to help cover costs. So do come along and join us. You will be most welcome. Details of how to join a course and become an Advanced Driver are available. the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists
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Jan 2017
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Car VED rates – All change from April 2017
(i.e. - It may be much cheaper to buy that new car NOW !!! ) Member Barry Cash, at a Federation of Small Businesses networking breakfast, heard a talk about the changes to Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) coming-in this April, and thought it would make good materiel for "The LINK". The presenter has given permission for us to use his text. He says, “Paul, I hope you find it useful for your members - and please feel free to contact me in the future on any motoring issues.” Kind regards, Nick Morgan, Partner Morgan Business Services - Motor Trade Consultant 01934 823769 Location: Axbridge
New VED car tax bands for cars first registered on or after 01 April 2017 The Budget announced by George Osborne back in July 2015 will introduce new road tax rates (also known as Vehicle Excise Duty or VED) for cars registered on or after 01 April 2017. Under the new regime, cars are divided into three bands. Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emission bands still divide cars into one of 13 bands but this will only apply to ‘first-year’ tax costs. From the second year onwards, the new three-band system takes over. These three new bands are: ● zero (tailpipe) emissions ● standard ● premium A zero-emission car will pay no tax whatsoever (unless it costs more than £40,000) and standard cars will cost £140 each year from year two. Any car that emits any CO2 at all and costs more than £40,000 will cost £450 each year (£140 plus £310 premium charge) from the second year to the sixth year after registration, when it’ll cost £140 per year again. That means that, from April 2017, the only cars that will be free to tax will be all-electric cars that cost less than £40,000. Even owners of low-emission hybrids that are currently free to tax will have to pay. Note that these changes won’t apply to current cars – which will retain their original rates – but only to new cars registered from April 2017. The bands in full are shown below:
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VED car tax bands for cars first registered on or after 01 April 2017 CO2 Emissions First year rate (g/km)
Standard rate (year two onwards)
Premium rate (year two onwards) for cars costing >£40,000 – payable for years two to six
0
£0
£0
£310
1-50
£10
£140
£450
51-75
£25
£140
£450
76-90
£100
£140
£450
91-100
£120
£140
£450
101-110
£140
£140
£450
111-130
£160
£140
£450
131-150
£200
£140
£450
151-170
£500
£140
£450
171-190
£800
£140
£450
191-225
£1,200
£140
£450
226-255
£1,700
£140
£450
Over 255
£2,000
£140
£450
Note: All cars above £40,000 pay £310 annual supplement for years two to six
Editor’s notes: Discredited CO2 test figures do not relate to the real world and have led to a situation where most new cars are freeloading by paying too little tax, which is costing the Treasury. [ For example, the Editor’s
152g/km car returns 53mpg actual, whist his wife’s 118g/km car – which should do better – returns only 42mpg actual, and so is more polluting! ]
● A flat rate is fairer – although not as fair as a tax on fuel only. ● Electric cars are still unfairly freeloading – no tailpipe emissions, but inefficient overall, creating emissions and recycling problems elsewhere, and their electricity is under-priced and under-taxed! ● Buyers of smaller, so-say more economical, cars will face the biggest tax increase – for example a Vauxhall Viva 104g/km now pays £20 a year; for a new one after April 2017 that will rise to £140. ● Carmakers have been ‘reducing’ CO2 emissions of their cars to take advantage of the generous VED tax bands and to increase sales – keep up the good work, but now let’s have realistic measured results! ● Will the new rates affect car sales in Feb/March, and later adversely affect trade-in and resale values for post-April 1st, 2017, small cars?
Get down to the showroom NOW !!
(existing rates shown on next page)
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VED existing car tax bands - for comparison purposes VED Band
CO2 Emissions (g/km) Annual rate
First year rate
A
Up to 100
£0
£0
B
101-110
£20
£0
C
111-120
£30
£0
D
121-130
£110
£0
E
131-140
£130
£130
F
141-150
£145
£145
G
151-165
£185
£185
H
166-175
£210
£300
I
176-185
£230
£355
J
186-200
£270
£500
K*
201-225
£295
£650
L
226-255
£500
£885
M
Over 255
£515
£1,120
[ There are £10 discounts to these rates for some “eco” cars, and some older, mainly pre-2001, vehicles still come under the flat rate £145/£235 “PLG” class. ]
Skittles Evening
Saturday 26th Nov at BAWA
This “end-of-year” social was a joint event with ourselves and the Pegasus and Tavern Motor Clubs. Total attendance was about 30, which provided 3 teams. A light buffet was provided and the costs were shared.
No report has been submitted to the Editor. The photos below are from the similar 2015 event.
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Yes, we know that IAM RoadSmart has an arrangement with the Under-17 Car Club, but these local courses are aimed at a different, casual, local audience and are also supported by our friends at South Glos Council.
Editor
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Social Media & Advertising – the IAM RoadSmart view
Social Media. To many, the name conveys a somewhat silly waste of time, attracting the wrong type of people, an irrelevance, even an addiction. It can bring-out the worst in people, involving negative opinions. Many ‘more mature’ people have given it up in the last few years, although some still tolerate Facebook, as it has become a standard communication method (even in plain “notice board” style) within organisations and clubs. But this isn’t the whole picture, says Caroline Holmes, IAM RoadSmart’s Communications Manager. She says that for an organisation like IAM RoadSmart, Social Media can be a huge force for good. An “expert” says, “The quickest and cheapest way to find a customer is via the Internet, and nowadays that is rapidly being overtaken by Social Media, particularly amongst ‘the young’, i.e. those aged under 40”. Institute HQ has taken it on in a big way in a bid to reach out and find “new Customers”. Caroline continues, “IAM RoadSmart has 92,000 Members - a huge network of individuals supporting us and spreading the message of improving driving and riding standards and enjoyment through life-long learning. But Social Media allows us to expand that reach by an infinite amount, providing the ideal channel for making ‘the jump’ between an internal story and an external one. It gives us an ideal opportunity to demonstrate to others in the outside world exactly what advanced driving and riding is about. And that it’s fun, it’s social and it’s relevant to all drivers and riders. “Everything a company does is driven by what its customers want. Not the other way round. So: What do drivers riders want from us? What worries people on the road? What are the road safety topics we should be campaigning on? Social media is fantastic for IAM RoadSmart to answer these questions.” IAM RoadSmart Facebook IAM RoadSmart Twitter IAM RoadSmart Business Twitter IAM RoadSmart Driver Retraining Academy Twitter IAM RoadSmart LinkedIn IAM RoadSmart YouTube IAM RoadSmart Google Plus
Caroline would like your thoughts – via Social Media naturally – or put pen to paper, finger to keyboard, or phone . She finishes by saying: “Many of our local Groups are also using Social Media to great effect. Shropshire Advanced Motorists and Motorcyclists took our Social Media Award home from the Groups Conference in October. Check them out on Twitter @SAMMShropshire .” Page 38
the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists
Read this newsletter on our website
www.iam-bristol.org.uk
Jan 2017
Bristol Group on Social Media
Both are ‘open access’. You can look without being a registered user.
DON’T LOOK WHILST DRIVING THOUGH ! Twitter: New Twitter page: https://twitter.com/iam_bristol Facebook: www.facebook.com/BristolAdvancedMotorists Use it as our notice board, without posting yourself. We are pleased that Committee Member and Young Driver Advocate Alex Gostelow is going to become involved with the Group’s Social Media activity, assisted by recent new Upgraded Member Henry Lowe. Look out for developments.
What do you do with your old LINKs ? You may be one of those Members who keeps their old issues in a binder. More likely, you probably throw them away (preferably recycle). Why not use them instead as a means of introducing more people to the Bristol Group and to improved driving standards? Hand it to a friend . . . . Or, why not let your old LINK reside in a waiting room? Your tyre centre, Chinese take-away, works rest room, Doctor or Dentist maybe?
Advanced Driver Refresher Course: Cost: £39 Bristol Group offers our existing Members the chance to refresh, alongside an Advanced Driver course. You cover the current course syllabus during 3 seminars and the fixed number of 6 observed on-road drives. At the current time there is another very good reason to go for this – refresh on the basic skills and, at the same time, update to the new IAM RoadSmart standard that has just been introduced. With the Refresher, there is no added pressure of preparing for, or having to take, a Test. At the end, we give you a completion certificate. ADR courses each start with seminar 1 held at the BAWA Leisure Centre, 589 Southmead Road, Filton, Bristol, BS34 7RG on the dates advertised for the IAM RoadSmart Advanced Driver course on page 40. For further information, call: 0117 256 5555 Or contact Geoff Bevan via publicity@iam-bristol.org.uk the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists
Page 39
Jan 2017
Read this newsletter on our website
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Know someone who could be a better driver? Word-of-Mouth is the best publicity – so tell people about the
IAM RoadSmart Advanced Driver Course –
it makes your driving more confident, safer, and more enjoyable. The course is bought as a complete package for £149, including one year’s membership, the syllabus workbook and of course the Advanced Driver Test. A six-month commitment is usually needed, with ideally one drive per week. Age and gender are no barriers. Beth (pictured right) was 18 when she passed, whilst Doris was 80.
We make better drivers and riders
The in-car driver guidance and the supporting seminars are provided by our volunteer, qualified, Observers. In Bristol we run four courses a year, starting on the first dates detailed below. Young Drivers aged 17-24, if they reside, work or undertake full-time education in Bristol City or South Gloucestershire, could have their fee refunded upon passing the Test, courtesy of support from the Police Community Fund and South Glos. Council Road Safety respectively. See page 9
Course Start Dates and Seminar Sessions (PRE-BOOKING ESSENTIAL)
JANUARY APRIL JULY OCTOBER
2017 2017 2017 2017
Wednesdays. Wednesdays. Wednesdays. Wednesdays.
Jan 18th, then Jan 25th, Mar 08th. Apr 19th, then Apr 26th, Jun 07th. Jul 12th, then Jul 19th, Aug 30th. Oct 18th, then Oct 25th, Dec 06th.
For details of how to buy, and what it involves, please contact: associates@iam-bristol.org.uk or 0117 969 1746
Know someone who doesn’t want a full course? If you know such a person, our one-off DRIVECHECK ASSESSMENT could be just what they need. The cost is just £35. One structured 90-minute Driver Assessment, at a convenient date/time, a written report, and advice on how to improve. For details, please contact Geoff, on 0117 256 5555 Page 40
the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists
Read this newsletter on our website
www.iam-bristol.org.uk
Jan 2017
web-EXTRA 1 - The Cover of the hard copy version The LINK is primarily distributed as a hard-copy A5-size paper version. The current cover continues the tradition first started in about 1971 of having an image of Bristol’s iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge. The back has a brief text about the Group, for the benefit of non-Members, and a QR code which directs suitable devices to our website. Cover photo by photographer: www.TonyGilbert.co.uk
Body pages printed and collated by:
Cover printed by:
Print & Stationery Management Co Ltd Emersons Green, BRISTOL www.prism-ltd.co.uk
Parish Magazine Printing, Devon www.communitymagazineprinting.co.uk
web-EXTRA 2 – Associates and Observers Needed Members – please act as recruiting salesmen to recommend the Bristol Group and our Advanced Driver Courses. And please promote our YOUNG DRIVER REFUND SCHEME available for South Gloucestershire – and now Bristol City Council too - residents. Information about the IAM RoadSmart Advanced Driver Course can be obtained from: associates@iam-bristol.org.uk 0117 256 5555 or 0117 969 1746 In time we need to convince those who pass the Test to become Group Members and to become Observers, to continue the cycle. Members: “Can you be an Observer for the Group?” We are always seeking recruits, particularly ladies. Information about becoming an Observer can be obtained from: chiefobserver@iam-bristol.org.uk
or
the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists
0117 256 5555 Page 41