Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, has made two major appointments to deliver on his pledges to improve road safety and boost cycling and walking across the region.
These are the first commissioners appointed by the Mayor and will advise on road safety and active travel – the collective term for cycling and walking – working with the Mayor’s new Transport Taskforce.
Road Safety Commissioner Mat MacDonald is an NHS doctor with experience supporting victims of road collisions and is previous chair of the Better Streets for Birmingham group. He is the UK’s first road safety commissioner.
Beccy Marston has been appointed as Active Travel Commissioner, bringing her 17 years of experience working with communities, councils, charities and private sector organisations on initiatives to encourage more people to cycle and walk.
They will work closely with Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), which is part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and partners, including the police, fire service and local councils, to deliver for the people of the region.
The Mayor said: “I’ve seen the devastating impact dangerous driving has on victims and their loved ones. That’s why making our roads safer is not just a priority – it’s a duty.
“Linked to this are our plans to encourage more people to choose cycling, walking and wheeling for their shorter journeys – to improve our environment, our health and reduce the traffic congestion on our roads.
“And in Mat and Beccy I have people with valuable experience, enthusiasm and determination to help deliver on my pledge to make travel in our region easier, safer, and more affordable for everyone.”
The key target, set out in the Regional Road Safety Strategy, is to reduce the numbers of people killed or seriously injured on our roads by half by 2030.
Mat said: “The task ahead is clear – we must reduce the number of people being killed and seriously injured in collisions on our road network. It will be an immense privilege to join a team who have dedicated themselves to this outcome through the Regional Road Safety Strategy, and I look forward to some hard, collaborative and focused work to deliver it.
“Achieving this vital objective is the least we owe – not only to the victims of the tragic crashes on our streets, but also to the future generations of the West Midlands, whose safety and happiness is critical to realising the exceptional potential of our remarkable region.”
Pic: West Midlands Combined Authority
