Richard Turfitt will succeed Beverly Bell as the new Senior Traffic Commissioner
Richard Turfitt will be taking up his new role as the new Traffic Commissioner on 1 June 2017. Turfitt, previously Traffic Commissioner for the East of England, has worked as a government prosecutor for more than a decade.
Transport Minister John Hayes said, “I’m delighted that Richard will be the new Senior Traffic Commissioner , following his tenure asTraffic Commissioner for the East of England. His knowledge and vast experience means he is well-placed to regulate services appropriately, and I wish him all the best in this important role.”
Traffic Commissioner are responsible for the regulation of bus, coach and goods vehicle operators, and registration of local bus services. They exercise power to call operators to a public inquiry to examine concerns about vehicle and driver safety. They also deal with professional drivers at conduct hearings.
Biography
Richard Turfitt joined the Health and Safety Executive in 1999 and helped establish their Litigation and Enforcement Advisory team. Richard helped to found the Health and Safety Lawyers’ Association and is a serving Justice of the Peace.
Career
Richard left independent practice in 1997 to prosecute on behalf of the Departments of Social Security and Health. In 1998 he moved to the Treasury Solicitor’s Department to undertake personal injury litigation. He was also responsible for managing the representation of the Prison Service at inquests throughout England and Wales.