The transport secretary has announced the appointment of Kevin Rooney as the new senior traffic commissioner, effective from 1 June 2025.
The role includes overseeing the work of the traffic commissioners, who are responsible for regulating the road transport industry across the UK, with specific oversight of public service vehicles, such as buses and coaches, freight operators and drivers.
Alongside his new position, Mr Rooney will retain his current job as traffic commissioner for the West of England as the role of senior traffic commissioner must be held by a serving commissioner.
He brings with him extensive knowledge from his experience at the Vehicle Inspectorate and Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA). He managed the introduction of the first MOT emission tests, diesel smoke tests and led the programme to upgrade VOSA’s enforcement processes, alongside working as a road safety consultant to new EU member states, the Department for Transport said.
Mr Rooney is taking over from Richard Turfitt, who leaves the role following the natural conclusion of his second four-year term as senior traffic commissioner.
Transport secretary, Heidi Alexander, said: 'I’m delighted to confirm Kevin Rooney as the new senior traffic commissioner. He arrives with a wealth of experience 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.'
Mr Rooney said: 'It is a great privilege to be appointed as senior traffic commissioner for Great Britain. 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.'
During his time in office, Mr Turfitt responded to the impact of Brexit, drafting statutory guidance on the contingency of the European Conference of Ministers of Transport (ECMT) Permits, and provided support during COVID-19 and the recovery period.
He led to a complete overhaul of operations, including the move to virtual hearings and the use of digital technologies, alongside strengthened ties with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).
Mr Turfitt will be continuing in his role as Traffic Commissioner for the East of England.
He said: 'It has been humbling to hold this judicial leadership role at times of crisis and to then be able to help the many responsible operators, transport managers and drivers who make up the regulated industries.
'It is undoubtedly a challenging and often isolating role, which requires support from officials, colleagues, tribunal and licensing staff and stakeholders to be effective. The working relationship with professional bodies and trade representatives has proved invaluable to serving Great Britain and in securing the safety of road transport.'
