NEW leaders of the Fleet Driver Training Association have been appointed and charged with the task of winning back industry confidence. The new team will lead the association under newly-elected chairman John Ascroft, general manager of RAC Risk Services and BSM Fleet Training; treasurer Jody Oliver, managing director of The Advanced Driving School and Jonathan Craymer, the newly-appointed secretary and spokesman, who will set up the first permanently manned office.

Craymer said: 'The majority of fleet driver training organisations have now decided to unite behind the newly-strengthened FDTA, which has re-launched within months of a near shut-down.' Craymer added that important issues - such as the association's revised code of conduct, risk management and rising insurance and accident costs - will be looked at.

The FDTA was hit by the defection of half a dozen members last year. A total of 18 companies have re-joined provisionally. These include AcciDON'T, 13-50 Driver Services, Active Risk Management (ARM), ATC, BSM Fleet Training/RAC, Cadence Driver Training, Defensive Driver Training, Driveplan Driver Training, Drivesafe, Drive Tech, Fleet Interventions, Independent Safety Services, Peak Performance Management, RMA, Surviving Driving, System Driver Training, The Advanced Driving School and The Driver Improvement Company.