New Traffic Commissioner appointed to the north-west of England

A new Traffic Commissioner has been appointed for Great Britain and will cover the north-west of England following the retirement of Gerallt Evans. 

David Mullan will begin his new role from August 19, having previously worked within the Department of Infrastructure in Northern Ireland.

Since January 2023, he has been responsible for policy in respect of driver licensing, motor insurance, and for the delivery of the road safety strategy for Northern Ireland.

From 2019 to 2023, he served as the head of the transport regulation unit, which acts as the Northern Ireland regulator for goods vehicle operators.

Despite leaving the role in January 2023, he has continued to sit as a presiding officer on public inquiries and impounding hearings within Northern Ireland.

The Senior Traffic Commissioner, Richard Turfitt, said: “I am delighted that David has been appointed to the traffic commissioner team.

“He brings with him significant insight from an adjacent jurisdiction and his broad experience in policy development will be used to great effect in our efforts to improve road safety.”

Traffic commissioners are responsible for the licensing and regulation of bus, coach and goods vehicle operators, and registration of local bus services.    

Where appropriate, they can call operators to a public inquiry to examine concerns about vehicle and driver safety.

They also deal with professional drivers at conduct hearings.