Matthew Lugg OBE (pictured) has been selected to chair the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS) Road Environment Working Party.

Following an open selection process, sector heavyweight Mr Lugg was chosen to lead the group, having been a former president of council directors group ADEPT and of the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation. He is also head of profession for local government at WSP.

The unpaid appointment is initially for three years, renewable by mutual agreement. He succeeds Heather Ward who served for six years.

He will be supported by vice-chairs Martin Wiltshire, assistant manager for traffic and safety at Hampshire County Council, and Kate Fuller acting CEO at the Road Safety Foundation.

Mr Lugg said: 'I'm delighted to be taking on the chair of the PACTS Road Environment Working Party, an organisation that champions the need for a safer highway infrastructure to reduce road casualties. Having worked in all sides of the highways industry, I bring considerable experience, enthusiasm and energy to this role, having throughout my career had a passion to deliver improved outcomes for road users.'

PACTS executive director David Davies said: 'There are many challenges to address regarding making the road infrastructure safe for all users, including smart motorways, 20mph limits and adapting for zero carbon, zero emissions and autonomous vehicles. The working party, with members drawn from many sections of the safety community, plays an important role in advising PACTS and shaping policy.'

Because of the COVID-19 lockdown, the working party will meet via video conferencing until restrictions are eased.

PACTS is a registered charity and supports the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Transport Safety.

It has four functions:

  • it provides an independent technical advisory service for parliamentarians on a wide range of transport safety matters
  • it lobbies and persuades, identifying and promoting research-based solutions to transport safety issues through Parliamentary access and contacts
  • it promotes wider publicity and information on safety through conferences, seminars, the annual Westminster Lecture on Transport Safety, publications and this website
  • it responds to Government, Parliamentary and public proposals for safety improvements.