NATIONAL Grid has awarded a contract to train 1,700 of its drivers to the AA Driving School. The AA beat competition from other driver training organisations for the contract to provide an initial programme of day-long driver assessments for the National Grid's vehicle users and company car drivers. National Grid owns and operates the high-voltage electricity transmission system throughout England and Wales. It owns and operates more than 2,000 cars and commercial vans.

David Morse, company transport manager, said: 'We recognise the importance of providing all of our staff who drive company vehicles with the opportunity to enhance their current driving skills. The AA has worked closely with us to design and develop a consistent standard of driver awareness training day. The aims are to help our drivers to improve their overall safety and comfort while driving and show them how to avoid the most common causes of accidents.'

The training programme will include a theory section and driving with one instructor teaching two employees at one time. Instruction is expected to start next month. It is also expected that the AA will provide refresher training.