Laura Thomas—Birketts

The transport secretary has announced the appointment of Laura Thomas as deputy traffic commissioner for the East of England. Laura, who is a partner (barrister) and head of Birketts’ corporate criminal defence team, will formally take up her role in May 2017.

As a deputy traffic commissioner Laura will preside over a number of public inquiries and assist the traffic commissioners who are responsible for the licensing and regulation of those who operate heavy goods vehicles, buses and coaches, and the registration of local bus services.

Laura said: “I am incredibly excited to be given this opportunity and to work alongside the traffic commissioners to encourage all operators to adopt robust systems, so that there is fair competition and that the operation of goods and public service vehicles is safe. I look forward to bringing my experience in advising and representing operators at public inquiry to the role; my knowledge of the industry will no doubt help me in making proportionate decisions.”