New senior traffic commissioner announced as Richard Turfitt steps down after eight years

As STC, Rooney will oversee the work of the traffic commissioners, who are responsible for regulating the road transport industry across the UK, while also retaining his role in the Western traffic area.

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

The department for transport said that during his time in office, he had responded to a period of unprecedented and unparalleled change, first working through the 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 Permits and then working to provide support during Covid-19 and the recovery period.

Under his stewardship, the TCs were guided through the pandemic, maintaining critical services, which led to a complete overhaul of operations, including the move to virtual hearings and the use of digital technologies, alongside strengthened ties with the DVSA.

He will continue in his role as traffic commissioner for the East of England when Rooney takes up the post on 1 June.

Heidi Alexander, secretary of state for transport, 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.

“I’d like to extend my thanks to Richard for his two 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.”

Rooney described his appointment as “a great privilege”.

He said: “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 said it had been humbling to hold the role at times of crisis: “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 said.

“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.”