Active Travel Commissioner Chris Boardman and National Infrastructure Commission deputy chair Julia Prescot and are among the top names from the sector awarded the CBE in the King’s Birthday Honours.
Also awarded the CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) were former National Highways chair Dipesh Shah OBE and Iain Stewart, who was chair of the Transport Select Committee prior to the dissolution of Parliament for the General Election.
Among the top names made Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) was Sonya Byers CEO of Women in Transport, who is also patron of Women on the Move Against Cancer (WOMAC) and a trustee of parkrun global.
She said: ‘This award is a testament to the incredible work of the teams at Women in Transport, WOMAC, and parkrun global.
‘Together, we have made strides in promoting diversity and inclusion in transport, supporting vital cancer initiatives, and fostering healthier communities. I am grateful to everyone who has been part of this journey and look forward to continuing our work to create positive change.’
Other prominent women also awarded the OBE are Rail Forum chief executive Elaine Clark and Shamit Weinberger-Gaiger, managing director of the West Coast Partnership Development.
Mike Hawes, CEO of trade body the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders was also made an OBE.
Transport sector employees made Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) include Frank Bird of National Highways, Paula Durrans of Great Western Railway, and Denise Harrison of First Bus.
Dr Godfrey Jacobs of TRL was made an OBE for services to road safety, while Nigel Oatway of DB Cargo (UK) and Tanvi Vyas, a member of the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee received the same honour.
Road safety campaigners and educators George Atkinson and Giulietta Galli-Atkinson were awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM).
Also awarded the BEM were Thameslink Railway station sssistant Sigill (Siggy) Cragwell and another Thameslink employee, station manager Joe Healy (both pictured).
Mr Cragwell, who is still working at the age of 82, said: ‘I was shocked. I stopped and thought for a little bit, ‘Is that really for me?’ I thought, I can’t wait to tell my friends at the cricket club – they’ll go ballistic!’
Mr Healy was recommended for the honour in last year’s King’s Birthday Honours but because he is an Irish national, the honour required ratification by the Irish government and this was confirmed only this year.
