zadocbrown wrote:I think IAM are confused as to whether they are an AD organisation or a general road safety charity. I rather suspect they've tried to spread themselves too thinly and are paying the price. Or rather, we are.
I'm not connected with the IAM in any way, so the "we" can't include me in that sense, but if the "we" means the entire driving community, then I think you are right.
All credit to the local groups and their members who do still fly the flag for advanced driving with some spirit attached, but IAM HQ doesn't seem to be supporting that approach as far as I can tell.
I say again:
The IAM made a serious error by failing to fight the NSL when the idea first emerged. They should have fought that with every means at their disposal, and they should have continued to fight against it, and thus support the type of advanced drivers that formed the organisation in the first place. Based on the impression I have of them currently, I'm inclined to feel they might as well amalgamate with BRAKE.
That may seem harsh, but is there any evidence at all that they have ever done more than meekly accept the NSL? I fully appreciate that they can not be seen to condone law breaking, (I'll do it for them, in this case!) but it does not mean their hands are completely tied.
Maybe IAM HQ is just content to pocket the cash from their fleet training operation, and from Members' subscriptions, while leaving the more commendable activity to the local groups and their unpaid officials and Observers etc. If that's how it is, it's a very poor show. In fact I don't know how the good people at local group level have the heart to carry on against that background. It is even more to their credit that they do.
Best wishes all,
Dave.