Mayor 'blown away' by applicants for roads roles

West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker is "blown away" by the standard of applicants for commissioner positions to help make roads in the region a safer place.

One of two roles is set to be filled in the new year, with hundreds of people already putting themselves forward to sit on the mayor's "council of experts".

They will work with councils, police and the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) teams in the wake of a string of road deaths in the summer.

Parker said: "The calibre of applicants is inspiring."

"We've seen expertise from a range of fields, from transport and planning to public health and community engagement."

"It really reminded me of just how much talent we have in this region."

A road safety commissioner and an active travel commissioner will be tasked with addressing reckless driving in the West Midlands.

They will work with the new transport task force being set up, giving them a direct route to the authority's board.

They will be expected to work one day a week and be each paid £10,000 – about £200 per day – for their contributions.

"I've been blown away by the response – over 300 applications from talented people who want to work together to deliver change across the West Midlands," Parker said.

Members appointed to the task forces to form Parker's council of experts will focus on delivering his priorities of jobs, homes, journeys and growth for everyone.

When the recruitment drive started, the mayor said he wanted them to not only advise on how best to deliver but also challenge existing policy and put forward solutions to existing problems.

"We're in the final stages of the selection process, and I'm looking forward to introducing the successful candidates early in the new year.

"It's going to be a real game changer because I know they will bring fresh ideas and real energy to their roles."

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