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The Jubilee Journey

Much has changed on our roads since the 1950s when the Queen came to the throne and the IAM was formed. Take a drive through history as we commemorate the Platinum Jubilee.

50's 60's 70's 80's 90's 00's 10's 20's
Picture: Geoff Robinson

1950s

Quiz: In which year was the IAM formed?

1951: Zebra crossings introduced

Installed in Slough, the first zebra crossing is introduced to tackle the increase in car traffic. Previous to this Belisha Beacons were used, however, their effectiveness waned with both pedestrians and drivers ignoring them.

1952: Elizabeth II becomes Queen

Following the death of King George VI, 25-year-old Elizabeth II becomes Queen regnant of seven independent Commonwealth countries. 

1953: Ford Popular launched

Production of the Ford Anglia and Ford Prefect are stopped to make way for the Ford Popular – the cheapest car in Britain at £390.

1958: First motorway opens

The first motorway opens as the Preston Bypass, now part of the M6. One year later, the M1 becomes the first major motorway to open, between Crick and Berrygrove.

1960s

Quiz: In which year were 70mph motorway speed limits introduced?

1960: The rise of the MINI

Designed as a result of the 1956 Suez Crisis which reduced oil supplies, the MINI is the small car icon of the 60s. Known for its space saving transverse engine and front-wheel drive layout allowing 80% of the car’s floorplan to be used for passengers and luggage.

1962: Test for commercial drivers is launched

In response to large numbers of requests from transport controllers and managers, and individual drivers - IAM extends their test to include drivers of commercial vehicles of up to 3 tonnes.

1966: The Queen presents Jules Rimet Trophy

The Queen presents the Jules Rimet Trophy to England World-Cup winning captain Bobby Moore - the first (and only) England team to win the sport’s biggest prize.

1967: New drink-drive laws introduced

New drink-drive laws come into force, making the legal limit 80mg alcohol per 100ml of blood. The Driving and Motor Licences Division begins promoting safe driving through film and TV.

1970s

Quiz: In which year did the Queen celebrate her Silver Jubilee?

1970: Ford Cortina becomes the most popular car of the decade

The Ford Cortina Mk3 is unveiled at the London Motor Show. With its American influenced design, it went on to be the best-selling car of the decade.

1973: Safety helmets made compulsory

The use of safety helmets is officially made compulsory for moped and motorcycle riders. December 1972 also saw the minimum age for riders of motorbikes over 50cc being raised from 16 to 17.

1976: IAM launches Advanced Rider course

The first Advanced Course for motorcyclists is specially devised by the council of IAM in conjunction with the Ministry of Transport. The test cost £7.50 in 1976.

1978: 60 and 70mph speed limits made permanent

60 and 70mph speed limits are made permanent again after a temporary maximum national speed limit of 50mph was imposed in 1973 due to the oil crisis.

1980s

Quiz: In which year were seat belts made a legal requirement?

1980: The Queen meets The Pope

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II makes history by becoming the first British monarch to travel to the Vatican to meet the Pope.

1982: Speed bumps introduced

Speed bumps are introduced in the UK under The Highways (Road Humps) Regulations, designed to slow drivers down in built-up areas.

1986: Nissan sets up in Sunderland

Nissan becomes the first Japanese car manufacturer to set up a production facility in Europe, opening their new Sunderland plant. The plant begun producing the Bluebird shortly followed by the Primera.

1986: Fleet training begins for business drivers

IAM Fleet was formed in 1986 to meet the increasing demand registered to the Institute by companies and other organisations seeking professional training for their drivers. IAM Fleet acquired Drive & Survive in March 2005, creating one of the UK’s biggest risk management and driver training companies.

1990s

Quiz: In which year did the IAM welcome their 250,00th member?

1991: Chevrons introduced

Chevron markings are introduced on the M1 to help drivers keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front.

1992: The Queen celebrates 40 years on the throne

The Queen celebrates 40 years on the throne and undertakes a royal tour of Australia with the Duke of Edinburgh.

1995: Affordable sports cars make a come-back

After a lull in the 1980s, the affordable sports car market boomed in the 1990s with the likes of Lotus Elise and Vauxhall VX220

1996: Theory tests refreshed

A separate written theory test replaces questions asked about The Highway Code during the actual driving test. Candidates are now required to gain a pass mark of 30/35 instead of the previous 26/35.

2000s

Quiz: In which year did using a mobile phone while driving become an offence?

2002: The Queen’s Golden Jubilee

Marking the 50th anniversary of the Queen’s accession to the throne, the Golden Jubilee was celebrated with large-scale events throughout London between May and July.

2003: Driving test bookable via the Internet

Having been able to book the theory test online in previous years, the practical test is now available to book via the internet. The ‘show me’ and ‘tell me’ vehicle safety questions are also added to the beginning of the driving test.

2007: IAM Motoring Trust formed

IAM Motoring Trust is founded as part of the charity’s 50th anniversary celebrations, to raise the profile of policy and research activity as a lasting legacy.

2008: Tesla releases the first highway legal pure electric car

The Tesla Roadster is the first highway legal serial production pure electric car using lithium-ion battery cells.

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2010s

Quiz: In which year did the IAM rebrand to IAM RoadSmart?

 

2011: Nissan Leaf becomes first family electric car

The Nissan Leaf becomes the first modern pure electric family hatchback car produced for the mass market. It was released in the UK in 2011 and won the European Car of the Year that same year.

2012: The Queen meets James Bond

The year of the London Olympics features a memorable opening ceremony which included The Queen in a sketch with Daniel Craig. ‘007’ collects Her Majesty from Buckingham Palace and takes her via helicopter to the Olympic Stadium.

2014: Car tax disc abolished

Having graced the windscreens of cars for almost 100 years, the car tax disc is abolished.

2018: Motorway driving lessons introduced

In a move to improve motorway safety, learner drivers can take motorway driving lessons with an approved driving instructor.

Jubilee (22)
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2020s

Quiz: In which year did the ban on sales of new petrol and diesel cars get moved to 2030?

2021: Honda launches the world’s first level-3 autonomous car

Honda becomes the first manufacturer to provide a legally approved Level 3 car, in which the driver can safely turn their attention away from the driving tasks.

2022: The Queen celebrates 70 years of service

Her Majesty the Queen becomes the first British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee after 70 years of service.

2022: IAM RoadSmart has 180 local Groups

IAM RoadSmart has around 180 local Groups across the UK. These groups, all run by volunteers, represent a unique resource with unparalleled experience and expertise. The local groups assist Associate Members in preparing for the advanced test.

2022: Britain moves closer to a self-driving revolution

Changes to the Highway Code will help ensure the first wave of self-driving vehicles are used safely on UK roads.

 

 

JLP IAM RoadSmart Observer
 

Who are IAM RoadSmart?

We are IAM RoadSmart, the UK's leading independent road safety charity.

We exist to improve the standards of driving and riding on UK roads, and improve the standards of road safety across the country - primarily through delivery of the Advanced Test. We also deliver a range of other training and driving support, as well as informing and influencing government and key decision-makers.

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