Kevin Rooney (pictured) has been named incoming Senior Traffic Commissioner. He will take up that position from 1 June and succeed Richard Turfitt.
Mr Rooney has spent 13 years as a Traffic Commissioner and currently sits in the West of England traffic area, a responsibility he will keep while Senior Traffic Commissioner. He will bring additional extensive prior knowledge from time with the Vehicle Inspectorate and the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency, the forerunner to DVSA.
Mr Turfitt will step down from the Senior Traffic Commissioner position after conclusion of a second four-year term. He is credited with having responded to multiple major challenges during his tenure, including those deriving from the UK’s departure from the EU.
During 2020 and 2021, Mr Turfitt drew plaudits from the coach and bus industry for leading a rapid response by the Traffic Commissioners to pandemic impacts, with frequently updated emergency guidance taking account of the developing situation at that time.
The Department for Transport says that Mr Turfitt’s efforts across his eight years “served to bring visibility to the Traffic Commissioner’s important role in regulation and road user safety.” He will continue to serve as Traffic Commissioner for the East of England.
Mr Rooney observes that stepping up to the Senior Traffic Commissioner role “is a great privilege,” and he has paid tribute to Mr Turfitt for his work in that position.
“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.”
Adds Secretary of State for Transport Heidi Alexander: “I am delighted to confirm Kevin Rooney as the new Senior Traffic Commissioner.
“He arrives with a wealth of experience from his time as Traffic Commissioner for the West of England and we are all excited to see him build on the fantastic work of his predecessor, Richard Turfitt.
“I would 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.”
