Chair of Governors awarded CBE

The Schools were delighted to receive news that the Chair of the Governors, Beverley Bell, has been awarded a CBE for her services to Road Safety and the Freight Industry.

Beverley is an Old Girl of MTS (1971 – 1978) and has served as the Chair of the Governors since July 2016. Her award comes in recognition of her years of service in the transport industry, having been an independent regulator of the commercial vehicle industry for 17 years. Having graduated from the University of Liverpool in Law, she qualified as a solicitor in 1985 and opened her own practice in 1990 specialising in criminal and transport law. She was appointed as North-West Traffic Commissioner in 2000 at that time being the youngest the first female to hold the role. She was later appointed as Senior Traffic Commissioner for Great Britain in 2011, and she retired from both roles on 31^st May 2017.

Speaking about receiving the award, Beverley said:

“I am surprised and delighted in equal measure. But this award is not just about my contribution but about the Traffic Commissioners and all they do to promote and champion the transport industry. The industry sometimes has a poor reputation which it doesn’t deserve and I have always been keen to promote the industry which literally keeps Great Britain moving”.

The Department for Transport also released the following statement, acknowledging Beverley’s commitment and dedication to the industry she has made her profession:

“We want to add our congratulations to Beverley Bell on this award following her retirement as Traffic Commissioner for the North West of England and latterly as Senior Traffic Commissioner for Great Britain. She continues to champion the transport industries and will see this as a reflection of their importance to Great Britain. HGV and PSV operators make a major contribution to our economy, provide significant employment opportunities and strive to ensure the safety of our roads. It is right that this is recognised. We are delighted for all those working in the field of transport who have been recognised by the Queen this year and in particular to Beverley after 17 years of public service”.