Transport Minister John Hayes MP has appointed Richard Turfitt as the new Senior Traffic Commissioner to take over from Beverley Bell on 1 June.
Currently the Traffic Commissioner for the East of England, he will be responsible for the regulation of bus, coach and goods vehicle operators, and registration of local bus services.
Richard has been Traffic Commissioner for the East of England since 2008, and worked as a government prosecutor for over a decade. He is a serving Justice of the Peace.
“I am excited to be asked to take up the role of Senior Traffic Commissioner for Great Britain,” said Turfitt. “There is no doubt that I have a hard act to follow and I want to thank Beverley for her work as Senior Traffic Commissioner over the last 5 years. We have a strong, dedicated team of traffic commissioners and I look forward to continuing that work with them, to support responsible, compliant operators and drivers and focus our scrutiny on those who pose serious risks to safety standards.”
Transport commissioners have the power to call operators to a public inquiry to examine concerns about vehicle and driver safety. They also deal with professional drivers at conduct hearings.
“I’m delighted that Richard will be the new Senior Traffic Commissioner, following his tenure as Traffic Commissioner for the East of England. His knowledge and vast experience means he is well-placed to regulate services appropriately, and I wish him all the best in this important role,” said Transport Minister John Hayes.
Outgoing Senior Traffic Commissioner, Beverley Bell, who will be speaking at the Microlise Transport Conference on 17th May, praised Turfitt, saying that he has been “an unstinting source of support” for her during her time in the job.
Register for the Microlise Transport Conference to See Beverley Bell Speak Live
