The Automobile Association’s History Part 1
The Automobile Association, also called the AA, used to be a British motoring association that has now become a private company owned by two big private equity firms.
The inauguration of the Automobile Association happened when a group of motoring fans got together in the West End of London to form a group to help fellow motorists learn to avoid police speed traps.
They soon became interested in more ethical issues as well, and in
1906 the AA decided to take a stand on road safety issues, and they started to erect hundreds of road warning signs. They went on to publish the AA Members’ Special Handbook in 1908: a book that included all UK mechanics and agents.
Between the years 1910 and 1929, they introduced a guide called AA Routes. They still print travel guides and maps to this day. AA proved to be very popular and has managed to today be the UK’s foremost publisher of travel literature. They branched out in 1912 and began doing inspections of hotels and restaurants. Superior establishments were awarded by AA Star Classification.
By the end of the thirties, the Automobile Association’s membership managed to grow to more than 700 000. This number represents about thirty-five per cent of all the cars owned in the UK at the time. During WWII the AA decided to protest the fact that government was rationing petrol and they were successful in repealing this practice. This led to the AA being seen as the champion of British motorists’ rights.
