The AA: From Activist Group to Trusted Organisation
The Automobile Association (AA) has evolved into a multifaceted organisation offering a wide range of services, from insurance and breakdown cover to driving lessons and general advice. However, its origins can be traced back to a group of activists looking to circumvent police traps targeting motorists in the early 1900s.
The story begins with a letter published in Autocar on 25 March 1905, written by Walter Gibbons, a motorist frustrated with the presence of police traps equipped with stopwatch-wielding officers hiding along open roads. These traps were a response to the Motor Car Act of 1903, which introduced driving licences, car registration, and increased speed limits but also imposed fines and penalties for offenders.
Gibbons highlighted the distrust between motorists and the authorities, likening the police to anglers trying to catch fish. He criticized the use of electric timing apparatus in court, which often led to unjust fines for motorists. Feeling unsupported by existing motoring organizations like the Royal Automobile Club (RAC) and the Motor Union, Gibbons proposed the formation of a new group called the Motorists’ Protection Association.
Charles Jarrott, a renowned racing driver and car importer, responded to Gibbons’ call to action, setting the stage for the creation of the AA. Jarrott’s involvement lent credibility to the cause and attracted like-minded individuals who were passionate about protecting motorists’ rights.
Over time, the AA transitioned from a grassroots activist group to a respected organisation known for its comprehensive range of services and support for motorists. Today, the AA continues to uphold its founding principles of advocacy and assistance for drivers, reflecting its humble beginnings as a law-dodging activist group.
For more information and access to the complete Autocar archive, visit themagazineshop.com. Join us as we celebrate the AA’s journey from a group of rebellious motorists to a trusted ally on the road.
