National Highways has appointed Professor Nick Reed as Chief Road Safety Adviser.

In this new role, Professor Reed will work with National Highways’ executive directors and board to help deliver the ambition to achieve zero harm on England’s motorways and major A-roads by 2040.  As well as providing independent advice, an important part of Professor Reed’s role will be building relationships with partners and stakeholders.

Professor Reed has had a long career focused on improving road safety. He led human factors and driver behaviour research at Transport Research Laboratories for 13 years before becoming Head of Mobility R&D at international engineering firm Bosch. Professor Reed also holds a visiting professorship at the University of Surrey.

National Highways chief executive Nick Harris said “We’re committed to our vision of no one being harmed either travelling along or working on our roads.

“Being able to call on someone with Nick Reed’s experience will make a real difference in our capability to deliver that promise.”

Alan Cumming, the chair of the safety committee on National Highways’ board, said: “I look forward to Nick joining the safety committee. He will provide independent advice that ensures our work is focused on key road user safety priorities and policies.”

Professor Reed said: “I am delighted and honoured to have been appointed to this new role. Throughout my career, my prime motivation has been to reduce the harm associated with road transport.

“This is an exciting opportunity to work with industry, academia and innovators to support and challenge National Highways in delivering on its ambitious zero harm agenda.

(Picture – National Highways)