The RAC Foundation (short for The Royal Automobile Club Foundation for Motoring) is a registered charity. It is a transport policy and research organisation which explores the economic, mobility, safety and environmental issues relating to roads and their users. The Foundation publishes independent and authoritative research with which it promotes informed debate and advocates policy in the interest of the responsible motorist. The Foundation was established as a research arm of RAC Motoring Services Ltd in 1991 at which time Motoring Services was owned by the Royal Automobile Club. The Foundation became an independent organisation in 1999 when RAC Motoring Services Ltd was sold by the Club. It later gained charitable status.