New National Highways chair appointed to lead road investment

Sir Gareth Rhys Williams has been announced as the new chair of National Highways.

National Highways is currently completing delivery of the second Road Investment Strategy (RIS2) and preparing for the third Road Investment Strategy.

Williams will be overseeing delivery of £24 billion of investment into roads, which is intended to bring improved journeys, ease congestion, create jobs and grow the economy across the country.

He previously worked at the Cabinet Office and has served as government chief commercial officer for the past eight years.

Transport secretary, Mark Harper, said: "Gareth will be an excellent new Chair at National Highways as we continue to deliver the government’s plan to back drivers across the country.

"As we continue to invest in improving our road network, Gareth has been clear in his commitment to help keep the country moving through the delivery of the government’s £24 billion investment into roads, creating jobs and growing the economy."

New National Highways chair, Sir Gareth Rhys Williams, said: "I am delighted to be appointed as the Chair of National Highways, such a vital component of the UK’s infrastructure; a network that we all depend on for economic growth and connecting us all every day.

"I look forward to working with Nick and his team, the board and other colleagues to help develop and then deliver the next Road Investment Strategy."