Collectively, the association will vigorously promote the need for employers to adopt effective risk management programmes for those who drive for work purposes, which in turn will assist those organisations with their duty of care compliance. The association will also offer prospective customers the reassurance that its members will adhere to agreed quality standards and supply them accurate, consistent guidance in the discharge of their duties for them.

Association secretary Adrian Walsh said: “Most of the leading companies in the sector have pledged support for the association and we expect this to gain momentum quickly once the word is out that we are now an established trade association with a fresh agenda.

“We have a new code of conduct and a clear set of objectives. With an established, impartial secretariat, and a respected interim chairman in Driving Services Managing Director Doug Jenkins, I now believe that we have a robust, cohesive entity that speaks as one.

“Prospective customers can be assured that, if they contract to use the services of a member, they will receive a quality-assured, professional service, delivered by people who fully understand their customers’ needs.”