Beverley Bell, former senior traffic commissioner for Great Britain, has been awarded a CBE in the Queen’s 2017 Birthday Honours for her services to road safety and the freight industry.

Bell, who retired from the role of senior traffic commissioner (STC) earlier this year, had built a reputation for being a passionate advocate of the freight industry during her career as a traffic commissioner.

Bell told MT: "I am surprised and delighted in equal measure. But this award is not just about my contribution but the contribution of all the traffic commissioners and all that we do to promote and champion this industry - it's not all about the small minority of operators that don't observe the rules but about the staff in all those offices who keep the wheels of this industry turning."

Bell, who is also a fellow and former president of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport added she looked forward to working with the institute with the aim of making the logistics industry the career of choice for young people.

The Office of the Senior Traffic Commissioner welcomed Bell’s award this week.

A spokesman said: “We want to add our congratulations to Beverley Bell on this award following her retirement as traffic commissioner for the North West of England and latterly as senior traffic commissioner for Great Britain.

“She continues to champion the transport industries and will see this as a reflection of their importance to Great Britain. HGV and PSV operators make a major contribution to our economy, provide significant employment opportunities and strive to ensure the safety of our roads. It is right that this is recognised.

“We are delighted for all those working in the field of transport who have been recognised by the Queen this year and in particular to Beverley after 17 years of public service.”

Bell studied law at Liverpool University. In 1985 she qualified as a solicitor and set up her own practice in 1990, specialising in criminal and transport law.

Appointed as North West traffic commissioner in April 2000, she was the first woman and youngest person to be made a traffic commissioner. In 2012 Bell was appointed STC, when she replaced Phillip Brown who retired due to ill health.

Bell has been succeeded by Richard Turfitt.

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