West Midlands mayor Richard Parker has made two major appointments to deliver on his pledges to improve road safety and boost cycling and walking across the region.

These are the first commissioners appointed by the mayor and will advise on road safety and active travel – the collective term for cycling and walking – working with the Mayor’s new Transport Taskforce.

Road Safety Commissioner Mat MacDonald is an NHS doctor with experience supporting victims of road collisions and is chair of the Better Streets for Birmingham group – set up in the wake of a series of fatal road collisions in the city.

He is the UK’s first road safety commissioner.

Beccy Marston has been appointed as active travel commissioner, bringing her 17 years of experience working with communities, councils, charities and private sector organisations on initiatives to encourage more people to cycle and walk.

They will work closely with Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), which is part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and partners, including the police, fire service and local councils, to deliver for the people of the region.

The mayor said: “I’ve seen the devastating impact dangerous driving has on victims and their loved ones. That's why making our roads safer is not just a priority – it’s a duty.

“Linked to this are our plans to encourage more people to choose cycling, walking and wheeling for their shorter journeys – to improve our environment, our health and reduce the traffic congestion on our roads.

“And in Mat and Beccy I have people with valuable experience, enthusiasm and determination to help deliver on my pledge to make travel in our region easier, safer, and more affordable for everyone.”

The key target, set out in the Regional Road Safety Strategy, is to reduce the numbers of people killed or seriously injured on our roads by half by 2030.

The region’s Local Transport Plan has set out the target for everyone to be able to safely reach a range of local destinations on foot, in a wheelchair or on a bike or scooter; with the aim of at least half of all trips to be made by active travel by 2030.

The Transport Taskforce will shape policy and advise the mayor and partners as the region continues to invest in transport infrastructure and services – including bus service reform, growing Metro and rail networks and developing new cycle and walking routes.