Richard Turfitt has been appointed as the new senior traffic commissioner by transport minister John Hayes.

Currently the traffic commissioner for the East of England, Turfitt will begin his new role on June 1 2017, taking over the post from Beverley Bell.

Turfitt has been traffic commissioner for the East of England since 2008, and worked as a government prosecutor for over a decade. He is a serving Justice of the Peace.

Transport minister John Hayes said: “I’m delighted Richard will be the new senior traffic commissioner, following his tenure as traffic 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.”

Speaking of his new role, Turfitt said: “I am excited to be asked to take up the role. There is no doubt I have a hard act to follow and I want to thank Beverley for her work as senior traffic commissioner over the last five years.

“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.”

Beverley Bell added: “Richard has been an unstinting source of support for me in my time as senior traffic commissioner and I feel comfortable leaving the role in his capable hands.”