TRANSPORT and road safety minister John Bowis has launched The Times - Lease Plan Company Car Driver of the Year 1997 competition. The event, to find the safest and most competent company car driver in Britain, is in six regional heats between April and June with a final at the Silverstone Driving Centre in July.

Bowis said: 'Company car drivers are over-represented in national accident statistics and competitions such as this are a step towards reversing this trend.' Heats are in Elstree, Macclesfield, Bracknell, Nottingham, Charlwood and Coventry and a fleet manager can nominate a team of three drivers to take part. Entry forms are available from Lease Plan UK on 01753 868268.