National Highways has appointed its first chief road safety adviser.
In the new role, Professor Nick Reed will work with executive directors and the National Highways board to help achieve zero harm on England’s motorways and major A-roads by 2040.
As well as providing independent advice, he will also strive to build relationships with partners and stakeholders.
Professor Reed led human factors and driver behaviour research at Transport Research Laboratories for 13 years before becoming head of Mobility R&D at international engineering firm Bosch.
He also holds a visiting professorship at the University of Surrey.
National Highways chief executive Nick Harris said: 'We’re committed to our vision of no one being harmed either travelling along or working on our roads.
'Being able to call on someone with Nick Reed’s experience will make a real difference in our capability to deliver that promise.'
Alan Cumming, the chair of the safety committee on National Highways’ board, said: 'I look forward to Nick joining the safety committee. He will provide independent advice that ensures our work is focused on key road user safety priorities and policies.'
Professor Reed said: 'I am delighted and honoured to have been appointed to this new role. Throughout my career, my prime motivation has been to reduce the harm associated with road transport.
'This is an exciting opportunity to work with industry, academia and innovators to support and challenge National Highways in delivering on its ambitious zero harm agenda.'
