News

 

Chairman's Chatter July 26

I appreciate that some IAM members may have seen it already, but on Page 16 is the announcement that Mark Armitage has been appointed permanent CEO of IAM RoadSmart.  In the announcement it states that Mark has already met some Group Chairs and Chief Observers at local coffee mornings.  On May 9th, Vince Dover and myself attended a coffee morning in Warrington which Mark Armitage attended.  He spoke to the group of members, no flashy presentation, just an open discussion.  He first spoke about the financial challenge which needs to be addressed, as reported at the AGM in November 2025.  For the 2024/25 year, the deficit was £991k following on from a £700k deficit in 2023/24.  Note - If you haven’t ever looked at the Accounts before, follow these links, the first is for a short summary, the second link is the full accounts; 

 

https://www.iamroadsmart.com/media/o1glc4sb/summarised-accounts-2425-agm.pdf

 

https://www.iamroadsmart.com/media/z41knxoi/iam-group-financial-accounts-2024-25-v6-final.pdf

 

Mark outlined his commitment to organisational change - rather than simply ‘minding the fort’.  With his background in analysing and implementing strategic improvements, I think we can expect some really meaningful changes over the coming months aimed at sharpening IAM RoadSmart’s focus and ensuring resources are used where they deliver real value.  His attitude, and approach to the volunteers, is a welcome change from his predecessors.  In fact, in my opinion we haven’t seen anyone with the same drive and potential since former CEO Sarah Sillars (joined in Feb 2015 until May 2018).

 

Most regular readers may remember of my own exasperating experiences with Intelligent Speed Assist (ISA), now mandatory on all new cars sold in the UK.  It is so bad that I no longer trust it or use it.  Now new findings from automotive risk intelligence company Thatcham Research shows just why drivers are actively disabling them after experiencing repeated inaccuracies or confusing behaviour of these systems.  ISA uses cameras and GPS mapping to identify the current speed limit, and display it to the driver. In some vehicles, it can also link to systems such as Adaptive Cruise Control to help keep the car within the detected limit.  My own car Auto Emergency Braked on the M62!!

 

Thatcham Research tested ISA systems in several models.  In the worst-performing vehicle tested, the system displayed incorrect speed limits in around one in four key situations where the speed limit changed.  Even the best-performing vehicle still showed errors in roughly one in ten of these moments, according to Thatcham’s findings.

 

Researchers at Thatcham also found cases where vehicles displayed speed limits that do not legally exist in the UK, including 5mph, 10mph, 15mph and even 100mph readings.  There are the points in a journey where drivers are most likely to notice the system working – or not working – correctly.

 

A link to the Thatcham research is below – it is a very interesting article.

 

https://news.thatcham.org/thatcham-research-highlights-regulatory-gap-affecting-intelligent-speed-assist-performance/?lang=eng

                                                                                          Roy Sammons

 

                                                                                                         Roy Sammons  

Secretary's Scribbles July 26

I recently came across a term that I had not heard before although the writer in The Daily Telegraph said it had been used for decades.  This term is “bangernomics”, its practice apparently followed a simple logic: buy old, cheap used cars and run them into the ground, avoiding depreciation and costly finance, even if it meant accepting some risks regarding maintenance and repairs.

 

In former days many drivers would be able to identify a hidden gem and the expertise to maintain it themselves; the modern driver less so.  But crucially cars today are better made and hold their value.  The steepest losses still occur in the early years but by the time cars are about five years old the depreciation is much less.  Online car sales specialist Cazoo, says that by year six the average car has lost about 70 per cent of its original value.  Buying at this time in a car’s life, gained access to modern levels of refinement, safety and connectivity for a fraction of the original price.  The writer believes it’s the perfect alignment of style and value!

 

Seven cars listed currently on Auto Trader were described (see Table).  They were upmarket saloons, estates and SUVs are all priced at about £15,000, not bargain basement bangers. Rather they were expensive cars when new.  A previous owner, or owners, has borne the cost of their depreciation.  All have full service history so they shouldn’t have hidden faults.

 

Model

Mileage

List Price

2020 BMW 320d SE

71,601 miles

£14,495

2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA 220d AMG Line Night Edition (Plus)

71,060 miles

£15,495

2019 Jaguar XE 2.0 D180 R-Dynamic S Auto

50,000 miles

£14,790

2019 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E200 SE G-Tronic

94,153 miles

£13,794

2022 Audi A4 Avant 2.0 TFSI Technik S Tronic

85,162 miles

£14,217

2018 Lexus NX 300h SE E-CVT

94,124 miles

£14,998

2019 BMW X3 20d M Sport Auto xDrive

103,000 miles

£14,995

 

The BMW 3-Series is described as the benchmark.  For a potential owner with a budget of £15,000 the seventh-generation model is accessible.  Although the car is six years old, according to The Daily Telegraph, it feels current.  Whereas BMW trades on engineering depth, Mercedes prioritises design and image.  Even after five years the CLA 220d still looks sharp and contemporary with an interior that favours visual appeal over outright space or traditional luxury.

 

The Jaguar remains one of the more engaging cars to drive in this class, appealing to those who place a premium on how a car feels from behind the wheel.  Not long ago the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate was considered genuinely luxurious now they can be bought for less than £14,000.

 

Audi interiors tend to age particularly well thanks to clean design and solid material quality. Hefty doses of practicality and efficiency add up to a quietly convincing all-rounder.

 

Combining strong reliability credentials and a reputation for durability, the Lexus may not be the most dynamic choice at this price level but it excels in consistency and ease of ownership. The BMW X3 retains much of the engagement of the 3-Series saloon and at this price there is a broad selection of well-maintained cars, many from fleet or lease backgrounds.

 

I like the idea of getting an upmarket car for a cutdown price but four of these cars have mileages of over 85,000 miles.  Am I worrying unnecessarily?  What do you think?

                                                                                                                Gary Whittle

 

Ed; Just to add that some high performance cars are designed to run on E5 super unleaded.

Electric Avenue June 26

(A series of articles highlighting this new technology.)

 

 

It seems that something is being announced almost every day at the moment in the world of electric vehicles, with mainstream internal combustion engine (ICE) manufacturers giving details of new models and upgrades to existing units, so we want to keep you up to date with all this new-fangled electrickery techy thingy, as only your dedicated newsletter team can!

 

Wow, July already, just where has this year gone to?  We are all looking forward to welcoming our brand-new associates onto our August course, and if you are reading this column for the first time, then Where have you been!  But welcome anyway, hope you find something in our newsletter to spark your interest.  Lots of work each month go into producing our newsletter, and we are so lucky to have contributors each month to write for us and put it all together.  Roy has the most to do each month and he does a truly magnificent job getting it all put together and published.  Thanks go to Gary as well as each month he produces his Secretary’s Scribbles as well as sending out all the electronic copies to the majority of members.

 

Anyway, on with the news for this month.  You might remember we have mentioned the Electric upmarket brand that’s associated with Volvo, that being Polestar.  They name their models by number, the now redundant Polestar 1, being the first.  The mainstream Polestar 2 being the one most sold and most likely you will see out on the road.  However, the latest one is the Polestar 5.  It is BIG, expensive, and has just been launched.  Typical cost is around £90,000.  So, you will have to have deep pockets to own or lease one!  But if you are looking for a Grand Tourer, maybe for long distance trips, then it might just be on your shopping list, have a look at this link and see what you think…. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XGXs23wUec

 

Now, lots of people think that electric cars are a sort of new invention, but it might surprise you to know that back in the 1960’s Ford were testing out a new electric commuter car, that it was thought would be mass produced and we would see lots of them on our roads.  Well, it has taken a while to get there, and lots and lots of technology, but it is interesting to look back and see what they were thinking, 60 or so years ago..  Have a look at this link…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YALWWRFMKcg

 

A few weeks ago, Jack Scarlett from the YouTube channel “Everything Electric” (which used to be called Fully Charged), looked into the world of used electric cars.  He listed all the ones you might like to consider, and what he thought of them.  If, like me, the cost of brand new is, well really too much, then there are lots of good quality used vehicles out there that might be just what you are looking for!  The results might just surprise you.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hh4JraqoRSI

 

 

Finally for this month, (yes I know it’s been a quiet month) a review has been launched into the cost of public charging of Zero emission vehicles (ZEV) by the Government Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (who knew there was such a department) and will be sponsored jointly by The Department of Transport, The Department for Net Zero and Energy Security and His Majesty’s Treasury.  It is going to look into the range and costs of public charging and how this will affect the users and take up of zero emission vehicles.  It is due to report in the autumn of 2026.  Full details can be found at

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cost-of-public-ev-charging-review-terms-of-reference/cost-of-public-ev-charging-review-terms-of-reference

 

As always we trust you like the world class, award winning, journalism we bring you, not just this month, but every month, so look forward to seeing you again next month, until then drive safe and remember to tell everyone about our fantastic, advanced driving course.  The next one starts in August 2026, with an introduction evening on 6th August at the usual venue, Lostock Parish Centre.  If you know of anyone that you think might be interested, then invite them along for a hot drink and a biscuit or two.  Plus, we don’t bite, Honest!

 

Barry Sloan – Publicity Officer

 

    

News Items

 

Are you a FIFA World Cup fan?  If so, hope you’re not planning to Drink & Drive!

 

With the FIFA World Cup in North America expected to bring late-night celebrations and packed pubs, drivers and riders are being reminded to plan ahead and avoid drink-driving.  The latest figures show that drink-drive crashes in 2023 led to an estimated 260 deaths and more than 6,300 casualties across Great Britain, including 10 deaths and around 300 casualties in Scotland.

 

Here are some simple tips to help you stay safe and avoid getting behind the wheel after drinking:

 

Think: “None for the Road”

Firmly and politely turn down pressure to drink if you’re driving.  Make it clear in advance that you won’t be drinking so there’s no ambiguity later in the evening.

 

Plan your journey home

Download a ride-hailing app or save the number of a local taxi company so you have easy access to alternative ways to get home if needed.

 

Look out for your mates

If someone looks like they’re about to drink and drive, step in and help them sort a taxi, a sofa to crash on, or a lift home instead.

 

Be careful of the ‘morning after’

Take extra care after late-night drinking, especially following events like World Cup matches in the USA.  You could still be over the limit after a full sleep. Remember, drinks poured at home can also be stronger and contain more units than those served in a pub.

 

Don’t risk being ‘in charge’ of a vehicle

You can still be prosecuted for being in charge of a vehicle while over the limit, even if you’re not driving.  Sleeping in your car with the car keys in your pocket leaves you open to prosecution.  So leave your car at home and use a taxi or public transport instead.

 

 

Congestion and sat-navs diverting drivers onto higher-risk roads


 

Millions of motorists are being diverted onto higher‑risk rural roads as congestion, sat‑nav rerouting and road closures reshape everyday journeys, new research shows.  Data published IAM RoadSmart shows that over the past 12 months, more than half (54%) of motorists have been forced to detour onto a rural road because of congestion on motorways, dual carriageways and other main A roads.

 

Four in ten (42%) of drivers have experienced a mid-journey change from their sat-navs which ended up rerouting them away from the main network onto country lanes while nearly two-thirds (60%) were forced to do the same thing because of a road closure.

 

Department for Transport data shows a significant increase in the number of vehicles on our roads in the last decade.  By the end of 2015, there were 37,344,511 licenced vehicles in the UK, however by the end of 2025, this had increased by 13% to a near record 42,283,514 vehicles.

 

Over the same period, average delays per vehicle on the strategic road network have increased from 8.6 seconds for the year ending 2015 to 11.2 seconds by September 2025.  Total vehicle miles reached almost 338 billion for the year ending September 2025, almost on par with the December 2019 peak prior to the COVID pandemic.

 

Despite carrying 45% of traffic, six in ten (60%) of all road fatalities occur on a rural road. Traffic shifting to rural roads may encounter additional hazards including tractors, wildlife, narrow lanes, restricted views from roadside foliage, as well as a lack of safe infrastructure such as pavements and cycle lanes meaning vulnerable road users are exposed to greater traffic danger.  Many of these roads will have national speed limit status which means inappropriate speeds for road conditions are more common, often putting motorcyclists at danger from other traffic travelling too fast or being poorly positioned.  Almost three quarters (72%) of IAM RoadSmart motorcycle members report that in the last 12 months alone, they had encountered an oncoming vehicle in the middle of the road as they entered a bend.


While the UK Government has committed to no new smart motorways following concerns about their safety, there is a risk that without new infrastructure and additional capacity on the motorway and wider strategic network that increasing gridlock will push more people onto unfamiliar rural routes with the additional hazards associated with those roads.

 

IAM RoadSmart Director of Policy and External Communications Nicholas Lyes said:

“Every year, more people are killed on a rural road than any other road type yet worryingly we’re seeing a high number of people taking unplanned diversions to use them.  Congestion is inevitable, but we would encourage people to question if a diversion onto an unclassified or single-track route is worth saving a few minutes considering the increased hazards they might face.  Often, other people following sat-navs will similarly divert and you end up with traffic volumes that exceed what the road is designed for and may ultimately not save time the diverted driver expects.

Traffic growth shows little sign of abating, yet without a commitment to increase capacity on the wider strategic network, we may see more traffic filtering onto the rural road network, with potentially grave consequences.” 

 

Thousands of drivers still on UK roads despite racking up 12 licence points for Speeding

 

New research has found that more than 4000 drivers are still allowed to drive legally despite racking up 12 or more penalty points for speeding.

 

The RAC submitted a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to the DVLA to uncover the number of drivers on the road with 12 or more speeding-related points on their license.

 

The shocking result was that 4154 drivers are still legally permitted to get behind the wheel despite having a more than 12 points on their licence. 

 

How many points?

 

As of March 2026, there are 101 drivers on the road who have collected 20 - 29 points for speeding, and 14 with 30 - 39 points.

 

The RAC also found that there are two drivers with 43 and 45 points on their licences, but have been allowed to carry on driving, as they proved in court that a ban would have caused exceptional hardship.

 

Slowing down the speeders?

 

In a bid to reduce the number of drivers caught repeatedly breaking speed limits, the RAC is supporting the “Stop Excessive Speeders” campaign.

 

This aims to encourage the government to give courts the power to order offenders to have a speed limiting device fitted to their vehicle that they must use.

 

To back up its bid, the RAC's research around the government's recently published Road Safety Strategy found that almost 9 - in -10 (86%) drivers support measures to target those who speed excessively.

 

What's the tech they wish to use?

 

The RAC is suggesting the use of Intervening Intelligent Speed Assistance (IISA) devices, which would be fitted to the car of someone convicted of speeding excessively.

 

It does not slam on the brakes.  It does not remove driver control, it simply stops continued acceleration above the legal limit.

 

Unlike the speed limit alerts fitted to as standard to most new cars, as the IISA device actively stops a vehicle from exceeding the speed limit, except in emergency override situations, which are logged so they can be reviewed.

 

 

"It’s very concerning that so many repeat speeders have been allowed to carry on driving," says RAC head of policy Simon Williams. 

 

"A better solution for people like this who have demonstrated a compelling need to the court to be allowed to continue driving would be for them to have devices fitted to their vehicles that prevent them speeding again."

 

Ack: RAC

 

 

Drivers face 4 years of M60 roadworks on Simister Island upgrade

 

Are you a regular user of the M60 at Simister Island?  Then be prepared for a difficult few years of hold ups.

 

Work on the major M60 motorway upgrade at the notorious Simister Island junction has started, installing barriers and speed cameras etc.  Five lanes of traffic and a new link road will be created at Junction 18 in a bid to ease congestion, following official confirmation by the Department for Transport (DfT) last year.

 

Simister Island interchange, which connects the M60, M62 and M66 motorways, has long been earmarked for a massive change under National Highways proposals.  The scheme – estimated to cost between £255m and £296m – aims to reduce congestion, improve journey times and create a safer route through what is one of the North West’s busiest motorway junctions.

 

The upgrade is expected to take until 2030 to complete.  New temporary safety barriers, average speed cameras and replacement road markings have all been installed around the junction.

 

The National Highways website said: “These measures are essential to ensuring the safety of our workforce and customers, and are aimed at also minimising disruption on the motorway during busier periods.

 

“From the week commencing Monday, June 1, 2026, there will be some additional noise in the area during these works as we do this vital safety work. The equipment we use means some disturbance is unavoidable, but we’ll make every effort to minimise any noise generated by the activities.

 

“We apologise in advance for any disruption these works will cause and thank you for your patience as we carry out this work.”

 

The project itself will see a ‘northern loop’ built to stop thousands of vehicles using the current traffic light controlled roundabout every day.  A five-lane section on both sides of the M60 between Prestwich and Simister (junctions 17 and 18) has been touted as well.

 

The M66 on the Bury side of the junction would also be widened with new lanes introduced at the interchange and a second lane added from the M60 northbound link.

 

Ack; National Highways website

 

 

IAM RoadSmart - new CEO appointed

IAM RoadSmart has announced the appointment of Mark Armitage as Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Mark has worked as interim CEO for the previous six months and before this was a Trustee of the road safety charity.  He brings a wealth of experience from both the motoring and education sector having worked in senior roles for industry giants such as the RAC, Ford Motor Company, Autotech Group, Skillnet and the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI).  He has also served as a T-Level panel member for the UK Department for Education.

Mark replaces Antony Kildare who left IAM RoadSmart in 2025.

Mark Armitage said: “I’m delighted to be permanently joining the IAM RoadSmart family following an interim period, particularly in its milestone 70th year.  In the last six months, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting many of our wonderful volunteers and groups who continue to selflessly deliver many of our courses.  I am also grateful to our wonderful staff who have made me feel welcome and who are working so diligently to achieve our key deliverables.

“Improving road safety is at the heart of what we do, and with more than 30,000 people killed or seriously injured on UK roads in 2024, there has never been a more important time for IAM RoadSmart to work with Government, stakeholders and the public to reduce this number through education.  I’d also like to thank the Trustees for putting their faith in me and the team to deliver this.”

IAM RoadSmart Chair Shona Johnstone said: “We are delighted that Mark will be joining as CEO on a permanent basis.  Over the past six months he has given the charity a clear sense of direction and it was this vision that impressed the Trustees.  Mark is passionate about road safety and is committed to our goal of zero deaths and casualties and he also understands the need for modernisation and enhancing what we offer as an organisation.  We look forward to working with him in this permanent role.”

 

 

 

Automatic driving tests double in five years!

The days of the manual gearbox look to be numbered. Research from USwitch indicates that the next generation of drivers is focused on an automatic future. But is that a choice that comes at a cost?

 

UK government figures show that the number of automatic only driving tests has more than doubled in the past five years. 

 

However, looking at USwitch's data from a survey of 500 learners, the prime motivation for choosing an automatic car isn't readiness for electric motoring – just 22% said that was the case.  Instead, it's that most respondents (41%) presumed it would simply be easier to pass than in a manual, while 37% thought they would learn quicker.

 

Automatic regret

 

The reality has often proved different, however, with the driving test pass rate in 2025 being 10% lower for those in automatics than doing the full manual test.

What's more, an analysis of 1334 instructors from GetDriving.co.uk showed that an automatic driving lesson costs on average £5.05 more than a manual, adding around £225 to the cost of learning to drive, based on government estimates of the average length of time it takes to learn.

 

The costs continue to mount once a licence is obtained as USwitch points out that automatics are pricier to insure – from November 2025 to April 2026, quotes for automatic vehicles were on average 17% more expensive than manual ones.

 

Interestingly, almost one in five (19%) of survey respondents said they generally regret learning to drive in an automatic.  Over a third (35%) also said they would consider learning to drive a manual car in future, while a quarter (25%) have already done so since passing their automatic test.

.

 

A message to new Associates

If you are one of our new associates on the August 2025 course, I’d like to give you a big welcome to Bolton Advanced Motorists.  I hope that you will enjoy your time with us as much as I enjoyed my course.  We will be asking you to change some of your driving habits so that you can pass your Advanced Test.  Some associates find this difficult.  If you are one of these please persevere.  You must attend consistently; if you go out with an observer on one Sunday and then miss the next two, when you next have an observed drive you will have forgotten much of what you were taught during the initial session.  During the week you must practise what you are learning on a Sunday morning.  Then you should find that around Session 5 it all starts to come together and you can see the benefits of driving using the System of Car Control, IPSGA.  If you find that it takes longer, don’t worry.  Tell your observer and, if necessary, speak to your mentor.  The Group has over 55 years’ experience of preparing drivers for their advanced test and, whatever your problem, I’m confident that we will have the answer.                                                                  Gary Whittle

Report of the 2026 Annual General Meeting

 

On 5th May 2026 the Chairman, Roy Sammons, welcomed everyone to the Annual General Meeting.  He began by thanking two of our most loyal supporters, Steve Cottam and Steve Peary, who both moved on to pastures new in the latter part of 2025.  Steve Cottam, who has been involved with the group since 2003, and for the last 19 years serving as President, is standing down as President at this AGM having moved to the North of Scotland.  Steve Peary chose to become an Examiner and National Observer Assessor.  This meant that he has had to stand down from being involved in running the Group.

 

Turning to the dedicated Observer Team who provide the foundation of our Sunday morning sessions the Chairman was proud to report that all of them attended 90% of our Sunday morning sessions – absolutely brilliant.  That is a remarkable commitment to the Group which he truly appreciated.  Members of the Training Team continue to give even more to support training new observers and Diploma candidates with their drives.

 

We began the year with 13 Observers, reducing by one when Steve Peary moved on.  During the year we welcomed Pete Pritchard as a trainee and when he fully qualified as a National Observer we were back up to 13.  We have four waiting to join our next training course.

 

The Chairman continued by talking about our test passes for 2025 which were more than disappointing at nine, though sadly this belies the fact that we trained many more.  Our 2024 total, at 13 passes, was a marginal improvement over 2023 when we had 10 passes which was much lower than the 23 in 2022. We still ask for your help in recruiting new Associates, remember that personal contact and recommendation remains our best form of recruitment.  Despite the price, there is still no better value for money, but people don’t realise that until they take the course.

 

Of those Associates who enrolled during the year, almost 40% did not take the course through to Test.  It is discourteous that often they will not even speak to us to explain their reasons.  Whilst this is very disappointing for us, we hope that the sessions our Observers undertook with Associates were not wasted and improved their driving standards.  Sadly, we will never know – and neither will they!

 

He then asked what makes the Bolton Group ‘tick’?  It is all down to all our volunteers and members, without whom the Group would not exist.  From the Committee who give their time unstintingly, attending meetings and planning all our courses and events, to our dedicated Observers who support our courses, training needs and Diploma.  To the members who attend the Group meetings, and join together for our trips and other visits.  There are too many to name individually – and it’s dangerous if he happened to miss someone from the list!!  Whoever you are, whatever you do, your effort is greatly appreciated.  Certainly we are, he believed, the only car group in the region to have a regular monthly meeting, along with other social events.

 

We now needed to follow up on the merger of East Lancashire Group with Bolton Group, the EGM’s having been held and the merger approved by both Groups.  With our ASDM Dave Cox and Head Office the transfer process is underway for members, post code areas and any remaining funds.  At present he did not have a timescale for completion, although he hoped it will be just two or three months.

 

Last year he reported on the unexpected cancellation by Dobbies Sports and Social Club of our room hire after 25 years.  Lostock Parish Centre, and this very room, came to our rescue and he thought, with hindsight, it was a good move for us – and certainly him as he lived just down the road!   We were pleased to be here.

 

The records kept by Lynn Jordan contribute significantly to the effectiveness and planning of our Sunday mornings.  Along with Vince Dover and Dougie Phillips, our Sunday morning sessions run like clockwork, including drives for trainee Observers, and those training for National Observer. 

 

We had sufficient numbers to start our 2026 Diploma Course in January, and we are very grateful for the assistance of senior instructors from the GMP Driver Training Unit in running the Roadcraft classroom sessions.  The six participants are about to start their practical drive training before the driving tests at the end of June. 

 

Katherine Whittle was standing down from the role of Group Contact, a role she had held for four years.  This position is the first point of contact for anyone who has enrolled on a course, or an enquiry of any type regarding what we can provide.  As such it can be seen as the ‘make or break’ point in the person enrolling on a course and is therefore a vital role to the Group.  We thank Katherine for the time she has given this role over those years, and we welcome Committee Member, David Wilkinson, who will take over from Katherine – thank you David.

 

Barry Sloan, our Publicity Officer, has continued to maintain the Group’s presence with vigour on all forms of social media, with our own public Facebook page.  We thank Barry for his enthusiasm in maintaining and co-ordinating our presence, and equally to Steve Peary for keeping our website up to date and relevant.  Steve had to create a new website for the Group, having been abandoned by IAM RoadSmart.  Our thanks go to Steve for saving the day.

 

The Chairman had now completed 29 years in office, and was required to make clear the IAM guidelines recorded in the IAM Group Handbook. These state: “It is very strongly recommended that the post of Chairman be held for no more than three years and that there be a break of at least one year before being nominated again”. He did not wish to prevent anyone who would like to take the role from doing so, yet he was also conscious that too many groups are closing, just like East Lancashire, because they are unable to form a fully working committee.  We are very fortunate to have a dedicated Committee of 13 people to keep the Group together, and with the necessary varied skills to do so.  He was happy and honoured to be Chairman of such a strong, active and enthusiastic IAM RoadSmart group, with the support from the team around him.  Noting that there is no ‘I’ in TEAM, he was very conscious that playing an active part in the Group was a hobby and for a hobby to be rewarding we needed to feel a sense of personal achievement.  He hoped that everyone involved felt just that and closed, as usual, with the biggest possible ‘Thank You’ to everyone.

 

The Secretary thanked the Chairman for his work during the year.  He had worked harder than any other committee member and his dedication, devotion, enthusiasm and leadership skills inspired us all to remain one of the top IAM RoadSmart Groups.

 

The Advanced Driver course cost £204 between 1st April 2025 and 31st March 2026.  It now costs £210.

 

We recruited 22 associates during the year compared with 21 last year and 15 in 2023-24. Twenty-two members didn’t renew their subscriptions.  Our membership at the beginning of May 2026 consisted of 123 full members, 14 associates and six friends.  These add up to a total of 143 compared with 152 at this time last year.  We are currently sending out only 20 monthly Newsletters by post compared with 117 by email.  Members who received it by post were asked to think about transferring.  They would get access to the Newsletter’s web links and save the Group printing and increasing postage costs.  Special thanks were due to those who sent postage stamps for their newsletters. The Group subscription remained at £10 for another year.

 

The Secretary closed by repeating what the Chairman had said many times, personal contact and recommendation continue to be very important in recruiting new associates.  Sincere thanks were given to those who had encouraged friends or relatives to enrol this year.

 

The Treasurer reported another steady year.  Continued use of online banking resulted in prompt payment of invoices but we still needed to encourage more members to pay their subs by bank transfer to eliminate cheque processing.

 

Another slight drop in members and associates coming through meant a slight reduction in Charity Account income.  A diploma course was run during the year helping income after paying out additional room hire and the production/printing of course material.  An advance purchase of stamps was made to negate some of the price increase due in April 2026 with the surplus shown in stock on the balance sheet.  We need to encourage more members to receive the newsletter by email to bring down these postage expenses.

 

A good year for our meeting raffles and a slight profit on Xmas dinner helped our Social Account income.  The surplus was more than offset by increased speaker expenses and one-off long service gifts to Steve Cottam and Steve Peary giving us an overall balance drop of £350.  Cash in both accounts remains in a healthy position to cover all payments needed.

 

Roy was thanked for producing the balance sheet and liaising with the Reporting Accountant to have the accounts audited.  Special thanks for Margaret and her band of helpers in organising the meeting raffles and her production of the committee meeting minutes.  Thanks to Chris for organising the speakers and looking after the clothing and regalia account so expertly and to Vince and Lynn for the social events.  Also to the Lostock Parish Centre for the use of the meeting rooms.

 

Those committee members who had to seek re-election were re-elected.  All office-holders were also re-elected with Vince Dover filling the vacant Vice Chairman position.  Contact details can be found on the inside front cover of the Newsletter.

 

Gary Whittle, Honorary Secretary

 

 

 

 

 

Test Passes and Masters and National Observers July 25

The following Associates have been successful in their Advanced Test since the last newsletter went to print:

Masters success: 

 

 

 

 
Test Passes:

 

Paul Dunning

 

 

 

We now have fifty fsix IAM F1RST passes in the Bolton & District Group since the F1RST award was introduced.

Congratulations on your achievement and we hope you will enjoy your driving and continue to support the Bolton & District Group for many years to come. 

Your next challenge is to maintain (and build on) the skills you have achieved during your course.



National Observer:

 

Congratulations to IMI National Observer Passes

 

We offer our congratulations to the following who have recently taken their National Observer Assessments and passed;     

 

Pete Pritchard

 

We now have a full complement of National Observers in the Bolton Group and are ‘leading the way’ in our region of IAM RoadSmart in completing conversions from Local Observer status to National Observer.

This follows many months of training, both classroom and driving assessments, and we are delighted with your success and proud of the results.  We now have an additional five National Observers on the books, with the possibility of two more interested and who will soon be starting training.

This his places the Bolton and District Group in a strong position with fifteen National Observers and we intend to celebrate this success.  This includes three of our current National Observers who recently took their N.O. five yearly reassessment.  Geoff Baker, Dougie Phillips and David Wilkinson all completed their assessment and passed without issue.

Many congratulations to you all on these fantastic achievements and thank you for ensuring the continued and future success of the Bolton and District Group.

It will help if you buy a badge for the front of your car – it will give you a ‘conscience’ to drive behind!  Also one of the Bolton Group window badges helps to advertise the Bolton Group.  Please speak to Chris Knowles.

 

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2026 Annual General Meeting Summary Report

2026 Annual General Meeting Summary Report

 

On 5th May 2026 the Chairman, Roy Sammons, welcomed everyone to the Annual General Meeting. TBA

Group Required Contract Statement to Members

Here at the Bolton & District Group of Advanced Motorists we would like to thank you for renewing your membership with us, as part of your membership contract with us, we will contact you with information on training, committee, and social events, together with newsletters/magazines relating to the group and Road Safety.

Pictures, videos and written updates of Bolton & District Group of Advanced Motorists, events such as training, committee and social events at which you may be in attendance or referred to, will also be regularly published on Social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter etc, group newsletters/magazines and group related websites.

Bolton & District Group of Advanced Motorists also shares your information with IAM RoadSmart in order to administer membership activities.

Option to Withdraw from the above

You have the right to withdraw from receiving or participating in any of the above, by contacting Bolton & District Group of Advanced Motorists.

 

I DO NOT WISH TO:-

□   receive information on training, committee, and social events, together with newsletters/magazines relating to the group and Road Safety.

□   to appear in or be referred to in or on any group social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter etc, group newsletters/magazines and group related websites.

Signature:                                                                          ______________________

Name (in capitals):                                                            ______________________

Date:                                                                                 ______________________

Membership Number                                                        ______________________

 

 

Please notify the Bolton & District Group of Advanced Motorists by email to gkwhittle@btinternet.com or by letter to:-

Gary Whittle,

Group Secretary

Bolton & District Group of Advanced Motorists,

50 Albert Road West

Bolton

BL1 5HG

 

If you do not return this document with your Subs renewal form we shall continue to communicate with you as we do now.

 

..

Reg Local - a series of video’s on How to Pass an Advanced Driving Test

There are 9 modules and can be found by clicking the following link; 

 

https://www.youtube.com/c/RegLocal/playlists

 

Introduction

System of Car Control

Steering

Braking

Acceleration Sense

Cornering

Overtaking

Signalling

Commentary

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