A new North East-based driver training centre, which is being claimed to make fleet motoring safer, greener and more financially sustainable, is about to officially open its doors.

Tadea’s newest division, Effective Transport Solutions, is located in Washington, Tyne and Wear. The centre – the first of its kind on the UK – utilises cutting-edge motoring simulators and offers accredited driver training courses in its pioneering programmes.

The new service will start on June 25 at a launch event hosted by motoring TV personality, former presenter of BBC’s Top Gear Quentin Willson.

Tadea’s Effective Transport Solutions caters for all types of organisations with fleets of vehicles on the road – including grey fleets. The centre’s simulator-based driver training facilities will cover fuel efficient driving, electric vehicle familiarisation and driving in adverse weather conditions.

Its base level simulators utilise three-screen technology and the latest simulation software. Higher specification simulators are housed in BMW Minis, which have wrap-around projector screens providing a more immersive and even more authentic training experience. Both types of simulator can switch between internal combustion engine and electric vehicle, maximising the training opportunities available.

Gordon Pattie, transport centre manager at Effective Transport Solutions, said: "It is a really exciting time here at Effective Transport Solutions. We know what we’re offering is unique in the UK and it is great to be involved with such a pioneering and original project.

"This is a service which can really help to make a huge difference to levels of both safety and sustainability on Britain’s roads.

"From local authorities to road haulage firms, from the emergency services to the passenger transport sector, we will help organisations cut fuel costs, reduce emissions and keep employees safe behind the wheel."

The new service received an investment boost in August 2014 when it was awarded £114,750 by the Let’s Grow Fund, the Journal and Evening Gazette-led collaboration with BE Group and UNW LLP which provides grant support for capital investment and research and development projects creating or safeguarding jobs in the North East.

Simon Allen, senior project manager, BE Group said: “We are pleased to support Tadea’s Effective Transport Solutions driver training centre through the Let’s Grow Fund. This is a unique service – one that has not been offered in the UK before and one which clearly has a great deal of potential.

"Having such a centre in the North East is a great opportunity for the region: not only can Tadea’s Effective Transport Solutions help to create new jobs and establish new networks, but it also looks set to open up driver training to groups and businesses not typically able to access it – helping to significantly boost levels of sustainability and safety on the UK’s roads as a result."

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