Sharon Clelland will be the new traffic commissioner for Scotland and will start in April 2026, writes Peter Brown.
She was appointed by Secretary of State for Transport Heidi Alexander, and joins the from her role as head of legal services for the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner, the independent body providing regulatory oversight of policing in Scotland.
Sharon Clelland will take over from acting traffic commissioner for Scotland Richard Turfitt, who stepped in after Clare Gilmore departed in May 2023.
As a qualified solicitor for over 23 years, Sharon Clelland brings extensive legal experience in policing and the justice sector having worked previously for the Police Service of Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
Senior traffic commissioner Kevin Rooney welcomed her appointment. “She brings with her significant insight from her considerable experience in law enforcement and the emergency services which will be used to great effect in our efforts to improve road safety,” he said.
A spokesperson for the Scottish Government said: “We welcome Sharon Clelland’s appointment to the role of Traffic Commissioner for Scotland. Sharon’s extensive legal expertise will be invaluable in helping us to deliver our visions for public transport and road user safety in Scotland.”
