Veteran highways leader Mark Stevens takes new advisory role at TRL

One of the UK’s most experienced figures in the local highways sector, Mark Stevens, has begun a new chapter in his career after joining transport research organisation TRL (Transport Research Laboratory) as a Principal Consultant.

Stevens brings more than four decades of experience in highways management, transport strategy and local government leadership, and is widely respected across the infrastructure sector for his work shaping modern approaches to road network management and collaboration between local authorities.

His appointment will see him working with TRL’s teams and partners to support research, innovation and practical solutions aimed at improving the UK’s transport networks, particularly in the areas of highway resilience, asset management and future mobility.

Long-standing influence in the highways sector

Throughout his career, Stevens has held several senior roles within local government, developing extensive expertise in both operational highways delivery and broader strategic leadership.

Among his previous roles were:

• Assistant Director for Operational Highways at Suffolk County Council, where he oversaw key aspects of the county’s highway maintenance and network management.

• Director of Resident Experience at Haringey Council, where he was responsible for a wide range of frontline services affecting communities across the borough.

• Assistant Director of Direct Services at Haringey, leading teams responsible for transport operations and other local services.

His leadership in the sector extended beyond local authority roles. Stevens played a significant part in ADEPT (Association of Directors of Environment, Economy, Planning and Transport), the organisation representing place directors across England.

As Chair of ADEPT’s Engineering Board, he helped guide national discussions around highway maintenance, asset management and future infrastructure policy.

National recognition and sector leadership

Stevens’ contributions to the profession have been widely recognised. In 2020, he received the Transportation Professional of the Year award from the Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation (CIHT) — one of the industry’s most respected honours.

He has also been closely involved in national collaboration through the Future Highways Research Group, working alongside industry leaders to explore emerging challenges such as network resilience, new mobility technologies and long-term infrastructure funding.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Stevens was among those helping to develop guidance for highway authorities and contractors, ensuring essential road maintenance and construction could continue safely while protecting workers and the public.

New challenge at TRL

Announcing the move on LinkedIn, Stevens said he was looking forward to a new challenge after many years in local government.

He wrote that the role offered an opportunity to reconnect with colleagues across the sector and help drive improvements in the way transport networks are planned, managed and maintained.

“Absolutely chuffed to announce that I’ve started a new role today. It’s a completely different challenge, but one that gives me the chance to renew old acquaintances and build new relationships while helping bring improvement to the highways and transport sectors.”

Supporting the future of transport

At TRL, Stevens will contribute to projects focused on evidence-based transport policy, road safety, sustainable mobility and infrastructure performance.

His appointment adds another experienced practitioner to TRL’s consultancy team, strengthening the organisation’s ability to connect research, real-world operational experience and policy development to support the future of the UK’s transport networks.