Long-serving RSO recognised in Queen’s birthday honours

Garry Handley, Gloucestershire’s driver training manager, has been awarded the OBE for services to local government.
 
Garry has worked for Gloucestershire County Council for 27 years. He manages a range of services aimed at reducing the number of collisions involving drivers including the driver improvement scheme, drink drive rehabilitation scheme and speed awareness.

Cllr Stan Waddington said: “Garry has worked tirelessly over the years to help communities. His enthusiasm is infectious and he’s even persuaded me to have my own driving skills assessed!”
 
Pete Bungard, chief executive of Gloucestershire County Council, said: “I can’t think of a single individual who has made a greater impact on the safety of our roads than Garry. 

“This business is about changing the behaviour of people and Garry’s style and passion is capable of engaging almost any individual, very quickly, and with a lasting impression.”

Garry said: “I have always enjoyed my work and Gloucestershire County Council has been a great employer and has always supported me and my road safety work.

“When I came to Gloucestershire, 1324 people were killed or seriously injured in road collisions on our roads, and last year that figure was 236. That’s more than 1000 fewer people being killed or seriously injured each year.  Being a small part of this incredible reduction in the number of people being hurt on our roads is an ample reward in itself.”