A new association has been established to represent the UK’s professional drivers and chauffeurs.

While there is already a National Limousine and Chauffeur’s Association (NLCA), the new Institute of Professional Drivers and Chauffeurs (IoPDC) says there remains a need to represent drivers who operate as chauffeurs and executive drivers serving the corporate market.

The IoPDC says there are some 70,000 licensed drivers in this category.

According to director Adrian Seymour, the institute will not only represent its members but will also “improve the professionalism of the service they offer”.
 

“We are not a union, we are a membership organisation,” explained Mr Seymour.
 

“While we will represent and lobby, we are more of a trade association.”
 

The non-profit group hopes to improve relationships with customers, regulatory bodies and Government agencies.
 

It also aims to improve standards by providing access to advanced driving and chauffeur training.

The institute says it is close to launching a new preferential insurance service for its members as well as securing combined deals with manufacturers.
 

Peter Wright, NLCA chairman, said: “Any organisation that can raise the standards in the industry is to be welcomed.”

Membership is restricted to licensed drivers and companies only.
 

More information can be found at www.iopdc.com.