The Road Haulage Association has announced its first policy manager for Northern Ireland. John Martin – a logistics professional with over 30 years’ experience in the sector – will assume the newly created role on 1 July as the RHA boosts the sector’s profile in Northern Ireland.

John is well-known in the industry and has had a distinguished career in the Department for Infrastructure, working his way up from a vehicle and driving examiner, to head of the Transport Regulation Unit.

He was also the Department’s chief transport enforcement officer for 15 years, the deputy head of the Transport Regulation Unit for over four years, and the interim traffic regulator for 18 months. He also has considerable transport policy experience working with DVSA, DfT and the EC.

John Martin said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for me to work for the Association and represent its members. My skills, knowledge and experience of working inside government will greatly enhance the RHA profile within the region and give greater local representation.

“I’m looking forward to joining the team and engaging with all parties at a very challenging time.”

RHA chief executive, Richard Burnett said: “John is a very well-respected figure with incredible industry and regulatory knowledge – this will be a huge asset to our members.

“We’re very pleased to welcome John to the RHA.”

Road Haulage Association

About the Author: John Loughran