West Midlands Combined Authority appoints new transport commissioners

West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker has announced who is new Road Safety and Active Travel Commissioners are who will work with his new Transport Taskforce.

Road Safety Commissioner Mat MacDonald is an NHS doctor with experience supporting victims of road collisions and is chair of the Better Streets for Birmingham group – set up in the wake of a series of fatal road collisions in the city. 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.

Both will see them carry out the roles for one day a week and be paid an honorarium of £200 per day.

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 Transport Taskforce will shape policy and advise the mayor and partners as the region continues to invest in transport infrastructure and services – including bus service reform, growing Metro and rail networks and developing new cycle and walking routes.

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.”

And Beccy said: “My vision, alongside the newly formed taskforce, is to remove the barriers that prevent people from fully embracing active travel.

“By working hand-in-hand with communities and grassroots organisations, we aim to bring our new infrastructure to life and help individuals experience the practical benefits of walking or cycling for everyday journeys.

“As someone who personally adopted active travel over 17 years ago, I understand that walking and cycling may not be suitable for every trip.

“However, it is our collective responsibility to make these options safer, more accessible, and easier, helping them become the natural and preferred choice for short journeys.”

In the wake of a string of deaths on Birmingham roads last summer, the Mayor said a new safety commissioner would be appointed.

In November, the Regional Road Safety Action Plan 2024-2030 was agreed with the aim of reducing the number of people killed or seriously injured on the region’s roads by 50 per cent by 2030 and ‘Vision Zero’ – no deaths or serious injuries – by 2040.

Mr Parker 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.”

And Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster, who chairs the West Midlands Road Safety Strategic Group, added: “I welcome the appointment of Mat and Beccy, who both share a burning passion to make our region a safer place to live, work and travel.

“Improving road safety and reducing the number of people tragically and avoidably killed and seriously injured on our roads will continue to be at the forefront of my priorities.

“I look forward to working with the Mayor and the newly appointed Road Safety and Active Travel Commissioners as we all commit to Vision Zero.”