FLEET drivers are set to be the main beneficiaries of the AA's decision to close its 142 high street shops and focus on its roadside breakdown and recovery service. The announcement coincided with a pledge by the AA to invest an additional £20 million in roadside assistance.

This will mean an extra 100 patrols hitting UK roads by the end of the year, along with major technological investments including the satellite tracking of all its 3,600 patrols. This will help the AA cut the time it takes to reach stranded drivers, analysing the geographic position of its patrols and dispatching the most appropriate patrol to the breakdown. Customers will also benefit from better spare parts back-up, and more flexible rostering of patrols to ensure more are on duty at times of peak demand.

John Maxwell, director general of the AA, said: 'We are totally committed to improving service in our core roadside business. This must involve improving our cost efficiency and adapting our business to meet the changing demands of our members. I am determined to reinforce our position as the market leader in UK roadside assistance.'

The back-to-basics approach will help the motoring organisation combat the increasing pressure from the combined forces of rivals Green Flag and the RAC - both soon to be owned by Cendant Corporation - and was welcomed by Ray Combs, AA general manager fleet services. 'It's great news for fleet drivers,' he said. 'We are redirecting our resources into roadside recovery - in a breakdown people want a quality service and fast, which is what we have pledged to do.'