11) Boris Johnson, mayor of London
The mop-topped cycling mayor of London may be seen by many as a bit of a buffoon – his attack on the EU drivers’ hours rules in August was widely seen a gaffe – but Johnson has been hugely influential in moves to make construction vehicles safer for cyclists in London.
While TfL commissioner Peter Hendy has been the coordinator of the CLOCS movement, Johnson has provide the political drive and will to pull together hauliers, clients and cycle safety groups to implement safety measures which have cost the industry millions. How many lives have been saved as a result is debatable, but even if one cyclist is alive today as a result the industry will count it money well spent because no operator or driver wants a death on their conscience.
And of course Johnson could well be the next Tory prime minister after announcing he is to run for Parliament in May.
Over the next 20 days we will be counting down our Top 20. As ever, we’d welcome your feedback and input into the debate. Send us your thoughts on Twitter - @Motor_Transport - using the hashtag #MTPowerPlayers