The transport sector had a strong showing in the 2026 New Year Honour list, with a Department for Transport (DfT) director general, former chief science advisor and permanent secretary receiving awards, along with several others from the highways industry.

Nicholas Joyce, director general of the Corporate Delivery Group for the DfT, was made a Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB) for services to transport, as was Jo Shanmugalingam, the DfT's permanent secretary, for services to transport and innovation.

Having been awarded Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to transportation, manufacturing research and to equality, diversity and inclusion, former chief science advisor Sarah Sharples magnanimously said she felt ‘a bit guilty' accepting credit for work that is ‘always a team effort, especially in the world of equality, diversity and inclusion', but added that she was also ‘absolutely delighted to be sharing the day of celebration with so many wonderful colleagues and friends'.

Joining Ms Sharples were several other recipients of CBEs, including the former director of planning for the DfT, Rupesh Mehta, for services to transport planning; lead non-executive director at the DfT and former BAE Systems CEO, Ian King, for services to transport and the defence sector.

Vernon Everitt, chair of Transport for Wales and former transport commissioner for Greater Manchester Combined Authority, also won a CBE for services to transport.

Commenting on Mr Everitt's honour, cabinet secretary for transport and North Wales, Ken Skates, said: 'I am pleased to congratulate Vernon on this well-deserved recognition for his exceptional contribution, pragmatism and innovation in public transport. I was delighted with his appointment as Chair of Transport for Wales and look forward to drawing on his leadership, wisdom and experience as we transform public transport in Wales in 2026.'

OBEs

Well-known figures in transport were also made Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBEs); Jo Field, chair of Women in Transport, won for services to diversity and inclusion in transport, and Richard Turfitt, traffic commissioner for East of England and lately senior traffic commissioner, was made an OBE for services to road safety and justice.

Ms Field said: ‘I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition. It reflects the incredible dedication of my colleagues at Women in Transport and JFG Communications who are working alongside me every day to champion diversity and inclusion in the transport industry. 

‘We've made significant progress in the last 10 years but there is still more to do in a sector where less than one-third of the workforce are women. This recognition will help us elevate Women in Transport's mission and provide a catalyst to create a more inclusive future for everyone in transport.'

Jane Cole, MD of Blackpool Transport Services, was made an OBE for services to public transport and to the community in Blackpool.

MBEs

On the list of Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) recipients was the well-known and popular highways figure Andy Graham, MD of White Willow Consulting, who was recognised for services to transport safety and efficiency. 

Mr Graham said: ‘Many thanks to all those who recommended me for this, who helped me in the last 40 years - remembering some of those sadly no longer with us, and to the teams I have worked with on some rather cracking projects since 1986.'

Also awarded an MBE were David Astill, MD of Nottingham City transport, who was recognised for services to public transport; Ian Redfern-Jones, group secretary for North Wales Group of Advanced Motorists, for services to road safety and Donald Starritt, the head of road safety policy at Northern Ireland's Department for Infrastructure (DfI), for services to road safety and to environmental protection.

Michael McDonnell, director of Road Safety Scotland, was also honoured with an MBE for services to road safety, and Kelvin Reynolds, chief technical services officer and company secretary at the British Parking Association (BPA), was made an MBE for services to traffic and parking management. 

BEM

Jonathan Tear, head of public body reviews at the DfT, was made a Medallist of the Order of the British Empire (BEM) for his services to diversity and inclusion, and to charity.