The former deputy managing director of the AA, Alistair Cheyne, has taken over as chairman of the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists).

“We have an unmatched, UK-wide pool of advanced driving groups, a respected policy and research operation and a revitalised commercial arm, providing occupational driver training to industry,” explained Cheyne.

“They form a unique combination capable of making an outstanding and practical contribution to road safety. I see it as my job to ensure that they do just that.”

Cheyne, who succeeds David Kenworthy, is an honorary life governor of BEN, the motor trade charity. He was awarded an OBE in 1997 for services to motoring.

Two new IAM vice-chairmen have also been appointed.

David Jamieson is a former Road Safety Minister, who saw through legislation to make driving with handheld phone an endorsable offence.

Colin Skeen trained originally as a barrister, but spent much of his career at the AA, where he was managing director of member services and a member of the AA committee, the AA's governing body.