ADIs are still uncertain how the new Vetting and Barring Scheme will affect them. We are waiting for the first of the roadshows (mentioned later in the following text) to get the full breakdown of how these changes will effect ADIs. Nothing has been said to date to make things much clearer.
DIDU will send a representative to the first of the open events.

Click the "read more" link for the latest information.

Adrian Lewis - Deputy Chairman and DIDU Member Support.

Update - June 2010

The New Government has, for the time being, put this issue on hold until it can be properly reviewed and a decision about its direction has been made. Keep looking in for further developments as and when they happen.

Following the crash reconstruction of two weeks ago, I was approached by the London Safety Camera Partnership to do an interview to be published in their magazine INSIGHT. This is distributed throughout the UK to road safety officers, public bodies, police, London mayors office and I would presume the transport select committee and maybe DSA HQ.

Also, I have now had a request for this to be included in the March 2010 edition of Good Motoring Magazine which has a circulation of 60,000.

Here is the interview :

Q: What sort of view of drivers and driving do you get from the instructor’s seat of your car ?

I am pleased you use the term Instructors seat instead of passenger seat because the one thing an instructor must never be is a passenger. I am based in and around south east London, and with the pace of modern City driving I can never relax my full focus and attention whilst I have a learner under tuition.

A DIDU instigated crash reconstruction display took place in Lewisham, South East London on Thursday 29th October. The initial idea was taken up by Transport for London following a meeting between DIDU and the Local road safety Manager of Lewisham Council. TFL brought together fire, ambulance and police services, each provided crews, vehicles, and equipment on the day. Crash vehicles were from the police pound. All three services gave a commentary as events unfolded.

DIDU invited local instructors and their pupils and the Dsa to attend. Sharon Cashin (DSA Sector 18 Area Manager) not only showed up but was willing to play the casualty as per photo.

If this makes just one driver ease back on their speed then it will be worth all of the planning. Many in the crowd were visibly taken aback after being faced by the reality of a crash and what is involved in a rescue.

The Metropolitan Police traffic section commentator stated that a fatal crash involving all the services, including hospitals, crash investigation and possible court action, costs the nation in the region of £1.5 million overall.

(I am in the background with my DIDU badge on display and camera to the ready in the first photo above)

ADIs are unsure how the new "Vetting and Barring Scheme" will affect them. It seems that the DSA are also unsure at the momemnt.
DIDU will keep its members fully informed, but until there is more definite information, the following website should be helpful:

Vetting and barring scheme website

Adrian Lewis - DIDU member support.

DIDU members can save money every time they fill their car up. I have arranged with Forecourt Fuels Ltd a fuel card which has many benefits, including:

• Members save at least 3p a litre on diesel, and 2p a litre on petrol.
• No additional or hidden fees.
• Free credit - fuel is charged two to three weeks after filling up.

Phone Nick Hayton on 01524 858169 or email Nick, quoting DIDU as a reference.

Forecourt Fuels Website

Download a pdf file with full details.

Adrian Lewis - DIDU member support.

Picture thanks to Adrian, DIDU's Conciliation Officer.