Richard Turfitt has been appointed as the new senior traffic commissioner, replacing Beverley Bell.

He will begin work in the role from June 1st, after serving as traffic commissioner for the East of England since 2008.

In his previous role, he has been credited for identifying the driver shortage and the relationship between road and rail freight as key issues facing the sector.

Transport minister John Hayes, who announced the appointment, said Mr Turfitt’s knowledge and vast experience makes him well-placed to regulate services appropriately.

Mr Turfitt admitted that Beverley Bell – who has been in the role for five years – was “a hard act to follow”, but Mrs Bell herself said she felt “comfortable leaving the role in [Mr Turfitt’s] capable hands”.

The senior traffic commissioner-elect said: “We have a strong, dedicated team of traffic commissioners and I look forward to continuing that work with them, to support responsible, compliant operators and drivers and focus our scrutiny on those who pose serious risks to safety standards.”

Reaction within the freight industry to Mr Turfitt’s appointment has been positive.

Freight Transport Association chief executive David Wells said he looks forward to working closely with someone who recognises that the regulatory environment must work with the wider, multi-modal logistics industry.

He went on to say: “The senior traffic commissioner is a critical yet challenging role in the industry, not only to represent leadership of a team of eight independent traffic commissioners, but also to act as a voice for the industry within the traffic commissioner team.”

Ben Robb, brand manager at The Fuelcard People, adds: “Mr Turfitt has proven himself to be worthy and capable of such a big role and we wish him every success in the new position.”