New West Midlands Commissioners for Road Safety and Active Travel: Transforming the Region

Attention Net Zero News readers,

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, has recently made two significant appointments to fulfil his promises of enhancing road safety and promoting cycling and walking throughout the region.

These appointed commissioners, the first of their kind under the Mayor’s leadership, will play a crucial role in advising on road safety and active travel – encompassing cycling and walking initiatives. They will collaborate with the Mayor’s new Transport Taskforce to achieve these objectives.

Mat MacDonald, the newly appointed Road Safety Commissioner, is an NHS doctor with a background in supporting road collision victims. He chairs the Better Streets for Birmingham group, established following a series of fatal road incidents in the city, making him the UK’s inaugural road safety commissioner.

On the other hand, Beccy Marston has been selected as the Active Travel Commissioner, leveraging her 17 years of experience in working with various stakeholders to promote cycling and walking among communities.

Both commissioners will closely cooperate with Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) and other partners, including the police, fire service, and local councils, to deliver tangible benefits for the region’s residents.

The Mayor emphasised, “I’ve witnessed the devastating consequences of reckless driving on victims and their families. Ensuring road safety is not just a priority but a moral obligation.”

“In line with this objective, we aim to encourage more people to opt for cycling, walking, and wheeling for short trips to enhance our environment, health, and alleviate traffic congestion on our roads.”

Mat and Beccy bring invaluable experience, enthusiasm, and dedication to the table to assist in realising the Mayor’s commitment to making travel in the region more convenient, secure, and affordable for all.

The primary objective outlined in the Regional Road Safety Strategy is to halve the number of people killed or seriously injured on the roads by 2030.

Mat asserted, “Our mission is crystal clear – we must reduce the fatalities and injuries resulting from collisions on our road network. I am privileged to join a team dedicated to this cause through the Regional Road Safety Strategy and eagerly anticipate collaborating to achieve this goal.”

“Ensuring this imperative objective is the minimum we owe to the victims of tragic accidents and future generations of the West Midlands, whose safety and well-being are crucial for unlocking the region’s potential.”

Beccy articulated, “Our vision, in tandem with the newly formed taskforce, is to eliminate obstacles hindering people from embracing active travel fully. By working closely with communities and grassroots organisations, we aim to breathe life into our new infrastructure and help individuals experience the practical advantages of walking or cycling for everyday journeys.”

“While recognising that walking and cycling may not be suitable for every trip, it is our collective responsibility to make these options safer, more accessible, and more convenient to establish them as the natural and preferred choice for short journeys.”

Simon Foster, the Police and Crime Commissioner who chairs the West Midlands Road Safety Strategic Group, also expressed his support for Mat and Beccy’s appointments. He commended their shared passion for making the region a safer place to live, work, and travel.

The newly formed Transport Taskforce will play a pivotal role in shaping policies and advising the Mayor and partners as the region continues to invest in transport infrastructure and services, including bus service reforms, expanding Metro and rail networks, and developing new cycling and walking routes.

Enhancing safety and sustainability in journeys remains a primary objective of the region’s Local Transport Plan.

In November, the Mayor, alongside the police, council leaders, and partner groups, adopted the new Regional Road Safety Action Plan 2024-2030. This plan outlines 23 measures aimed at reducing road fatalities and injuries in the West Midlands, including enhancing speed camera and dashcam footage reviews for increased prosecutions and collaborating with councils to design safer streets.

Let’s continue to support these efforts towards achieving Vision Zero and creating a safer and more sustainable region for all.