Government names new senior traffic commissioner

The transport secretary has appointed Kevin Rooney as the new senior traffic commissioner, replacing Richard Turfitt from June 1.

Rooney (pictured below) will oversee the work of the traffic commissioners (TCs), who are responsible for regulating the road transport industry across the UK, with specific oversight of public service vehicles, such as buses and coaches, as well as freight operators and drivers.

He is currently TC for the West of England and, says the Department for Transport (DfT), brings extensive knowledge from his experience at the Vehicle Inspectorate and Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA). 

In these roles, he managed the introduction of the first MOT emission tests, diesel smoke tests and led the programme to upgrade VOSA’s enforcement processes, alongside working as a road safety consultant to new EU member states.

The senior traffic commissioner role must be held by a serving TC and as such he will retain his role as West of England Traffic Commissioner alongside his new position.

He said: “It is a great privilege to be appointed as senior traffic commissioner for Great Britain.

“I want to pay tribute to Richard Turfitt and the work he has done as senior traffic commissioner for the past eight years. 

“Arguably, he led the commissioners through some of the toughest times we have seen during the pandemic, making quick decisions to keep the haulage and passenger industries working compliantly and to facilitate service recovery thereafter.

“Following in his footsteps will not be easy, but I look forward to that challenge, working equally closely with those who support commissioners and those we serve.”

Turfitt leaves the role following the conclusion of his second four-year term as senior traffic commissioner. 

During his time in office, he has worked through issues emerging from the UK’s departure from the EU, including drafting statutory guidance on the contingency of the European Conference of Ministers of Transport (ECMT) Permits, and provided support during Covid-19. 

He will continue in his role as TC for the East of England.

Transport secretary Heidi Alexander said: “I’m delighted to confirm Kevin Rooney as the new senior traffic commissioner.

“He arrives with a wealth of experience from his time as traffic commissioner for the West of England and we’re all excited to see him build on the fantastic work of his predecessor, Richard Turfitt.”

She added: “I’d like to extend my thanks to Richard for his 2 full terms of service in the role, during which he has seen the team through the difficult pandemic period, and wish him the very best for the future, as he returns to his vital role as traffic commissioner for the East of England.”

Turfitt said it had been “humbling” to hold leadership role at times of crisis and to help the many responsible operators, transport managers and drivers who make up the regulated industries.

“It is undoubtedly a challenging and often isolating role, which requires support from officials, colleagues, tribunal and licensing staff and stakeholders to be effective,” he added. 

“The working relationship with professional bodies and trade representatives has proved invaluable to serving Great Britain and in securing the safety of road transport.

“I look forward to continuing and supporting Kevin in that work, as he takes up the mantle.”