Individual excellence and lifetime achievements recognised

12.02 | 16 October 2019 |

A number of local authority and police officers have seen their contribution to road safety recognised by Road Safety Support (RSS).

Six individuals were presented with awards during last month’s National Safer Roads Partnerships’ Conference, in acknowledgement of individual excellence in the promotion of road safety, and of a lifetime contribution to the profession.

The conference brought together road safety practitioners from across Britain and around the world – under the theme ‘revitalising road safety’.

Speakers included Nicholas Worrell, safety advocacy director, from the National Transportation Safety Board (USA), who delivered the keynote address.

Meet the winners
Three awards were presented in both the ‘Individual Excellence in Promotion of Road Safety’ and ‘Lifetime Achievement Award for Contribution to Road Safety’ categories.

Among the recipients of the individual excellence award was Rhiannon Leeds (pictured above), co-ordinator of the Lancashire Road Safety Partnership.

Her multi-agency role covers a wide range of intervention, initiative and project management – including the Arrive Alive campaign, which was recognised with a young driver award earlier this year.

Judges praised Rhiannon for her ‘ability to understand and engage with young road users… delivering campaigns via many platforms’.

Another to receive the individual excellence award was Rob Lowe, operational policy manager at Transport for London.

Judges said Rob plays a ‘pivotal’ role in London’s Vision Zero efforts, as well as being heavily involved in coordinating speed reduction strategic policy.

The awards judges went on to praise his ‘can-do’ and ‘will-do’ attitude – ‘often in the face of setbacks and the frequent bureaucracy that befalls large or public organisations’.

The final recipient of the individual excellence award was inspector Jon Curtis, from the Cleveland and Durham Specialist Operations Unit.

The award was in recognition of inspector Curtis’ dedication to improving road safety and raising public awareness of road safety issues.

The citation said his ‘knowledge, understanding and capacity to push road safety up the agenda is a testament to his tenacity and determination’.

accepting the award, Jon Curtis said: “This award was completely unexpected, but I am extremely proud to receive it on behalf of the team. 

“Although the award has my name on, it has been a real team effort and one that would not have been possible without their support, assistance, guidance, tenacity and own personal commitment to improving road safety.”

Peter Burke (left) receiving his lifetime achievement award

Meanwhile, among those recognised in the lifetime achievement category was Sgt Rob Head, founder and chairperson of the Older Drivers Forum.

After 30 years of service, Rob recently retired from his position as road safety sergeant for Hampshire and Thames Valley Police.

Rob instigated the Older Drivers Forum in 2013 following a number of serious incidents involving older drivers. After extensive research he saw a real need to help and support older drivers to drive safely for longer.

A second recipient of the lifetime achievement award was Peter Burke, team leader of Northumbria Police’s Camera Enforcement Unit – who is set to retire later this year.

Judges praised Peter’s ‘incredibly proactive’ approach to helping the unit grow – as well as its impact on changing driving behaviours in the region.

The final recipient was ‘knowledgeable and approachable’ Norman Gilhooly, who has recently retired after a 40-year career in traffic enforcement.


 

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