LEADING figures in the driver training and risk management industry have thrown their support behind the new Fleet Forum. A launch event, hosted by the Institute of Advanced Motorists and chaired by chief executive Christopher Bullock, saw representatives from Government and the driver training industry in attendance.

Les Philpott, secretary to the Independent Task Group on At-Work Road Safety, joined David Faithful, a solicitor and partner at Amery Parkes, and Gary Austin, chief executive of the Driving Standards Agency at the event. Bullock claimed the forum's membership already covered the majority of the driver training industry by turnover, including the fleet forum of road safety organisation Brake, RoSPA, Drive & Survive, the AA, Interactive Driving Services and IAM Fleet.

Bullock said: 'The Fleet Forum is a body with a very focused objective of aiding the evolution of fleet risk management and the development of appropriate driver training standards.' He insisted the forum was not a rival to the Fleet Driver Training Association nor a splinter group from it. He said: 'The Fleet Forum is quite different to the FDTA. The biggest difference is that the forum is not a trade association for driver training companies. Insurers, lawyers and Government regulators and agencies all have a voice alongside those who actually supply road risk management and driver training services. Anyone who is active in the fleet risk management or driver training industry is welcome to join.'