Richard Turfitt to become next senior traffic commissioner

Richard Turfitt will succeed Beverley Bell as senior traffic commissioner, transport minister John Hayes has said.

Currently the traffic commissioner (TC) for the East of England, he will begin his new role on 1 June 2017.

Turfitt has been TC for the East of England since 2008, and worked as a government prosecutor for more than a decade.

Hayes said: "I’m delighted 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.

Turfitt, said: "I am excited to be asked to take up the role of senior traffic commissioner for Great Britain.

"There is no doubt I have a hard act to follow and I want to thank Beverley for her work over the last five 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."

Bell, who announced she would be stepping down from her role last year, said: "Richard has been an unstinting source of support for me in my time as senior traffic commissioner and I feel comfortable leaving the role in his capable hands."