Rob Heard awarded MBE for services to road safety

Rob Heard, founder and chairperson of the Older Drivers Forum and the former road safety sergeant for Hampshire and Thames Valley Police, has seen his services to road safety recognised with an MBE.

Rob served in the police force for 30 years, during which time he was an advanced police car driver and motorcyclist and led the Hampshire and Thames Valley force’s VIP escort team.

Rob instigated the Older Drivers Forum 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.

Rob sits on the National Older Drivers Task Force and helps advise the Government and DfT on aging driving and support. He is also Road Safety GB’s expert on older drivers.

Rob has won numerous national awards for his work with Older Drivers and has been awarded a lifetime achievement award from Road Safety Support. He now works as a road safety consultant, specialising in older drivers and is a driver awareness trainer.

Rob Heard said: “I feel humbled to be given this MBE and recognise I am just one part of a big team focussed on road safety. I wish to dedicate it to all the families and persons who have lost their lives due to road traffic collisions.

“In my 30 years’ service as a police officer I dealt with and attended over 100 fatalities, and I truly saw the devastation it caused to all involved. The last five years of my police service I was the road safety sergeant for Hampshire and Thames Valley Police. I saw how raising awareness can help save lives and the smallest action can make a massive difference.

“Life is a gift, and we need to value ours as well as the lives of others. Acting safely on the roads is one way we can show this. I will continue to be passionate about road safety and hope this brings some comfort to those involved in collisions and that by working with people we can make a difference and save more lives.”

James Gibson, executive director of Road Safety GB, said: “Road Safety GB has first-hand experience of working with Rob on older road user projects and his insight and knowledge is first rate.

“Rob is truly deserving of this award as it recognises his dedication and commitment to this important area of road safety. Many congratulations!”

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