ROSCO has congratulated Gavin Justice of McGill’s Bus Group and Dawid Zochowski of Go North East after they claimed the two ROSCO-sponsored awards at the 2026 UK Bus Driver of the Year competition.
The National Final, held in Blackpool on Sunday 6 September, brought together some of the UK bus industry’s leading professional drivers to test their driving ability, road safety knowledge and skills.
Gavin Justice of McGill’s Bus Group was presented with the ROSCO Award, recognising the highest-placed competitor from an operator in membership of the Road Operators’ Safety Council. Gavin delivered an outstanding performance to finish second overall in the national competition.
This year also saw the first presentation of the ROSCO Best Newcomer Award, introduced to recognise the highest-placed driver entering the Bus Driver of the Year competition for the first time. The award was open to all first-time competitors and was not limited to drivers from ROSCO member organisations.
The inaugural award was presented to Dawid Zochowski of Go North East, who marked his first appearance at the National Final with an impressive fourth-place finish overall.
ROSCO sponsors the awards as part of its commitment to recognising the skill, professionalism and responsibility demonstrated by bus drivers across the UK.
The Best Newcomer Award was introduced for 2026 to encourage more drivers to experience the competition and ensure that those stepping onto the national stage for the first time have an additional opportunity to be recognised.
John Burch, Chair of ROSCO:
“Congratulations to Gavin and Dawid on two fantastic performances.
Bus Driver of the Year provides an important opportunity for our industry to recognise the professionalism, judgement and skill that drivers demonstrate every day.
Gavin’s result is a great achievement and we are delighted to recognise him as this year’s ROSCO Award winner. It is equally fitting that our first Best Newcomer Award goes to Dawid after such an impressive first appearance.
Recognising safe and professional driving is at the heart of ROSCO, and both awards help us celebrate the people who are setting high standards across our industry.”
ROSCO would also like to congratulate every driver who reached the 2026 National Final and thank the organisers, volunteers, operators and supporters involved in delivering another successful competition.
ROSCO welcomes first operator outside the UK as Tower Transit joins national safe driving scheme
The Road Operators’ Safety Council (ROSCO) has welcomed Tower Transit as its latest operator member, marking an important milestone as LibertyBus in Jersey becomes the first operator based outside the UK to join the nationally recognised safe driving awards scheme.
A total of 249 Tower Transit drivers have been enrolled across the group’s operations, including 85 drivers from Huyton Travel in Merseyside, 101 drivers from LibertyBus in Jersey and 63 drivers from South Wales Transport.
Tower Transit operates regulated and franchised bus services across the UK and Crown Dependencies, combining international expertise with locally focused operations. Part of the Kelsian Group, Australia’s largest integrated multi-modal transport provider and tourism operator, with established bus operations in Singapore, Liverpool South Wales, The Channel Islands and USA. Kelsian provides essential journeys for it’s customers by delivering safe and intelligent transport solutions designed to improve the sustainability and liveability of the communities they serve.
Kelsian has over 30 years’ experience delivering tourism and passenger transport services and is a leader in sustainable public transport as the operator of Australia’s largest zero emission bus fleet and Australia’s largest electrified bus depot.
As at 31 December 2025, Kelsian directly employed over 12,900 people and operated 6,115 buses and 126 vessels that delivered more than 384 million customer journeys over the last year.
Tower Transit previously operated major franchised services for Transport for London and now delivers services through Huyton Travel, South Wales Transport and LibertyBus. Following its win of 5 franchise contracts with LCRCA, Tower Transit is expanding its commitment to safe and professional operations.
By joining ROSCO, Tower Transit will formally recognise drivers who consistently demonstrate safe, professional driving throughout their careers. The scheme celebrates long-term achievement while supporting a culture of continuous improvement across the industry.
Established in 1955, ROSCO promotes road safety by recognising drivers who achieve long periods free from blameworthy collisions and traffic prosecutions. Today, the scheme supports around 30,000 drivers across more than 80 operator members, helping operators celebrate excellence and reinforce high professional standards.
Samuel Ribeiro, Managing Director of Tower Transit, said:
“Our drivers are at the heart of everything we do, and their professionalism deserves to be recognised. Joining ROSCO allows us to celebrate those who consistently demonstrate the highest standards of safe driving while reinforcing the values that underpin our business.
“We are pleased to enrol 249 drivers across our operations, including LibertyBus in Jersey, marking ROSCO’s first operator based outside the UK. We look forward to being part of a network that champions safety, recognises excellence and encourages operators to learn from one another.”
John Burch, Chair of ROSCO, said:
“We are delighted to welcome Tower Transit to ROSCO. The organisation has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality bus services across a diverse range of operating environments, and we’re pleased that its drivers will now be recognised through our national awards scheme.
“Welcoming our first operator based outside the UK is a significant milestone for ROSCO and reflects the growing value of the scheme across the wider bus industry. The addition of 249 drivers further strengthens our membership and our shared commitment to recognising professionalism and promoting safer roads for everyone.”
We sat down with ROSCO Board Member Ruth Graham to hear about her recent work representing ROSCO, bringing driver safety into conversations with key transport groups and helping to raise the organisation’s profile across the bus and coach industry.
Ruth, a partner at law firm DWF joined the ROSCO Board after being approached to contribute her legal and transport expertise. Having worked with bus and coach operators since the early 1990s, she has supported organisations following incidents across the UK and Europe and understands the impact that collisions can have on drivers, passengers and businesses.
For Ruth, joining ROSCO was an opportunity to focus on prevention as well as response.
“Safety is paramount. It is important to support drivers, encourage them to drive safely, prevent accidents wherever possible and reward them for the work they do.”
Since joining the Board, Ruth has been learning more about ROSCO’s award scheme while contributing her experience to wider discussions around driver protection, training and passenger safety. She believes ROSCO has an important role to play in ensuring safe driving remains visible within the industry, not simply after an incident, but as part of everyday professional standards.
Representing ROSCO at Women in Bus and Coach
Women in Bus and Coach Midlands Launch – Photo credit Women in Bus and Coach
She was particularly struck by the presentations exploring female driver safety and women’s experiences when travelling by bus in the UK. The discussions highlighted that, while many safety concerns affect everyone working in or using public transport, women can face different forms of harassment, abuse and vulnerability.
For Ruth, creating space for these experiences to be heard is an important step towards improving safety for both employees and passengers.
“It was insightful, and I was pleased to be there representing ROSCO,” she said. “Women should have strong representation throughout the industry, and these conversations need to be encouraged.”
Ruth pictured after the Manchester 10k 2026
Taking driver safety to the CPT Claims and Insurance Group
Ruth has also introduced ROSCO’s work to the Confederation of Passenger Transport’s Claims and Insurance Group, which brings together bus and coach operators, insurers and brokers.
The group often considers trends, causes and the consequences of incidents. Ruth sees ROSCO as a natural addition to those discussions because its work begins earlier with prevention, professional development and recognition for drivers who maintain high standards.
Reducing collisions protects people first and foremost, but Ruth also highlighted the wider benefits for operators. A strong safety culture can reduce disruption, claims and associated insurance costs, while helping businesses manage risk more effectively.
There will be a further opportunity to share ROSCO’s work with the group at a future meeting, helping more organisations understand how recognising safe driving can support their wider safety objectives.
Why safe driving recognition matters
When asked where safe driving makes the greatest difference, Ruth’s answer was clear: accident prevention.
Today’s professional drivers must manage congestion, cyclists, e-scooters, pedestrians, changing weather, difficult road conditions and the responsibility of carrying passengers safely. Ruth believes ongoing training, appropriate technology and meaningful recognition can all help drivers navigate those challenges.
She has seen first-hand the pride drivers take in an accident-free record and believes ROSCO’s awards reinforce that professionalism.
“Drivers care about their passengers and want to get them safely from A to B. There will always be a role for ROSCO because one accident is one too many.”
Looking ahead, Ruth is excited about helping ROSCO reach more operators, recruit new members and bring driver safety into even more industry conversations.
Her ambition is simple: to ensure professional drivers feel supported, safe driving is properly recognised and accident prevention remains at the heart of the bus and coach sector.
A few things you might not know about Ruth…
Away from her legal work and ROSCO responsibilities, Ruth leads a very active life. She enjoys walking around Rossendale and regularly takes part in boot camps, spin classes and plays badminton.
She also has a more adventurous side. Ruth served as a mayoresses, supporting her mother during her year as mayor and even completed a parachute jump from 3,000 feet raising £1000 for local charities. More recently Ruth completed the Manchester 10k raising nearly £500 for DWF’s Charity Foundation.
Her philosophy is simple: work hard, stay positive and make the most of every opportunity, an outlook she now brings to her role with ROSCO.
Ruth pictured during her parachute jump
ROSCO Looks Ahead to Bus Driver of the Year Competition 2026
ROSCO is delighted to once again support one of the UK’s most respected bus industry events – UK Bus Driver of the Year Competition.
For decades, the competition has showcased the exceptional skill and dedication demonstrated by bus drivers every day. It provides a unique opportunity to celebrate professional drivers who consistently deliver safe, high-quality services to customers while inspiring the next generation.
ROSCO will once again sponsor the BDoY, ROSCO Award for the highest placed driver with an operator member of ROSCO.
This year also sees the introduction of the ROSCO sponsored BDoY, Best Newcomer Award, which will recognise the highest-placed competitor taking part in the competition for the first time. This award has been developed to encourage wider participation and acknowledge those drivers who choose to test their skills on a national stage for the first time.
The UK Bus Driver of the Year Competition continues to play an important role in promoting professional driving standards across the industry. It recognises excellence and celebrates achievement, the competition helps reinforce the pride that bus drivers take in delivering safe journeys every day.
We wish every competitor the very best of luck and look forward to celebrating another successful UK Bus Driver of the Year competition on 6th September in Blackpool.
Entries are now open for the ROSCO Award for Safety from the UK Bus Awards, recognising the individuals, teams and organisations raising standards across the industry.
With a refreshed criteria for 2026 and multiple entries encouraged from each operator, this year’s award is designed to showcase an even broader range of safety initiatives from frontline driving improvements to depot operations, training, engineering and customer safety.
As operators prepare their submissions, last year’s top entries offer valuable examples of the different ways safety innovation is being delivered across the sector.
Sharing best practice across the industry
The ROSCO Award for Safety celebrates initiatives that make a meaningful contribution to safer bus operations.
The judging panel will be looking for entries that:
Clearly identify the risk being addressed
Demonstrate measurable improvements
Show how results can be sustained over time
Highlight how initiatives could be applied more widely across the industry
Particular weight will be given to entries that demonstrate how organisations are improving driver motivation, capability and behaviour through a combination of interventions, support and learning.
Safety improvements take many forms, and last year’s entries reflected that diversity.
Learning from last year’s leading entries
Wayne Gibbins, Arriva London
As a route champion, Wayne led from the front – sharing real-time safety updates, identifying risk hotspots and supporting colleagues day-to-day. His proactive approach contributed to reduced incidents, improved performance and even the elimination of penalty charge notices on his route. Click to read the full award entry
Busway Lion Scheme, Grant Palmer
A structured development programme combining telematics, one-to-one coaching and enhanced training to improve driver performance. The scheme delivered measurable reductions in incidents and helped embed a culture of continuous safety improvement. Click to read the full award entry
Perry Avery, First Bus London
Through a people-first, data-led approach, Perry achieved a 38% reduction in accidents at Hounslow Garage. His work focused on creating a culture where drivers felt supported, recognised and motivated to improve. Click to read the full award entry
SPS – Specialist Passenger Solutions
This entry showcased a comprehensive approach to driver development, including Roadcraft-based training, structured interventions at key stages of a driver’s journey, annual “DRIVE Safe” refresher programmes and the use of telematics and geofencing technology to manage speeding risks. Click to read the full award entry
Why your entry matters
Across the industry, operators are developing innovative approaches to improve safety, support drivers and reduce incidents but many of these initiatives remain unseen outside their own organisations.
The ROSCO Award for Safety is an opportunity to recognise that work, share ideas and help promote best practice across the wider industry.
Whether your focus is:
Reducing collisions
Supporting driver wellbeing
Improving training and development
Using technology to enhance safety
Creating safer environments for passengers
…your work could help shape industry standards and inspire others.
Key dates for 2026
Entries open: 12 May 2026
Deadline: 24 July 2026
Shortlist announced: 8 & 9 October 2026
Awards ceremony: 24 November 2026
Ready to enter?
If your team is making a difference to safety on the road or behind the scenes now is the time to step forward. This is an opportunity to showcase the work your teams are doing every day to make bus travel safer for everyone.
Go North West (GNW) has joined the Road Operators’ Safety Council (ROSCO) and will begin enrolling its driver workforce – eventually almost 1,000 drivers – into the nationally recognised ROSCO Safe Driving Awards scheme. The rollout will take place gradually across the business as drivers are registered into the programme, ensuring the scheme is embedded consistently across the organisation.
The move marks a significant commitment to formal driver recognition and reinforces GNW’s focus on maintaining the highest standards of road safety across its operations.
A leading operator of franchised services across Greater Manchester, with depots in Bolton, Wigan, Denton and Heywood, Go North West continues to expand its role in delivering high-quality public transport. In 2026, the business secured additional franchising contracts in the Liverpool City Region, further strengthening its position as a trusted delivery partner in the evolving public transport landscape.
By registering almost 1,000 drivers with ROSCO, GNW is embedding nationally recognised safe driving standards alongside its own internal safety frameworks.
Nigel Featham, Managing Director at Go North West, said:
“Road safety is one of our biggest responsibilities as a bus operator. Joining ROSCO and enrolling almost 1,000 Go North West drivers is a practical way to recognise the professionalism of our people and to keep safe driving front of mind every day, on every route. The ROSCO scheme reinforces the behaviours we expect, celebrates the drivers who consistently do the right thing, and supports a positive safety culture that benefits passengers, colleagues and other road users alike.”
John Burch, Chair of ROSCO, added:
“Enrolling almost 1,000 drivers is a significant milestone and demonstrates Go North West’s clear commitment to recognising professional, safe driving. As public transport continues to evolve under franchising, strong partnerships and consistent safety standards are more important than ever.”
ROSCO currently works with more than 40 operators nationwide and recognises around 30,000 drivers annually. The addition of Go North West’s workforce further strengthens the scheme’s reach and reinforces the industry-wide commitment to reducing blameworthy collisions and promoting professionalism behind the wheel.
The Road Operators’ Safety Council (ROSCO) is delighted to welcome Diamond Bus North West and Preston Bus to its growing network of operator members, further strengthening the reach of the national safe driving scheme.
Diamond Bus North West and Preston Bus is one of the UK’s leading bus operators, providing vital local transport services in the North West. By joining ROSCO, Diamond Bus North West and Preston Bus will enrol 769 drivers into the scheme, recognising and rewarding professional, collision-free driving across its operations.
Established in 1955, ROSCO promotes a positive safety culture by recognising drivers who avoid blameworthy collisions and traffic prosecutions. The scheme currently supports around 30,000 drivers nationwide and plays a key role in reinforcing professional pride, accountability and continuous improvement.
The addition of Diamond Bus North West and Preston Bus reflects a shared commitment to safety, driver recognition and raising standards across the public transport sector.
Matt Rawlinson, Managing Director, Diamond Bus North West & Preston Bus, said:
“We’re proud that Diamond Bus North West and Preston Bus are members of ROSCO, with 450 of our drivers recognised through the scheme. Safety and professional driving standards sit at the heart of what we do, and ROSCO plays an important role in reinforcing a positive safety culture across our business. The scheme recognises the skill, judgement and responsibility our drivers show every day, helping to keep passengers, colleagues and other road users safe. Being part of ROSCO is not just about awards, it’s about valuing our people and continually raising standards in safe driving.”
John Burch, Chair of ROSCO, said:
“We are pleased to welcome Diamond Bus North West and Preston Bus to the ROSCO scheme. Their commitment to recognising safe, professional driving aligns strongly with our mission and further strengthens our growing community of operators working together to improve road safety.”
The board have agreed in principle to move to an aggregated award scheme, instead of the current consecutive awards. This would mean that drivers who have a blameworthy accident would keep their existing accrued total up to that point and not revert back to zero as is the current rule.
Reason for comment/change: accidents could include incidents that do not involve a collision
Before any change is confirmed, the board is carrying out a feasibility study to ensure the system is workable, affordable and in line with the overall objectives of the scheme. In addition, it does not increase our members workload, and that it is supported by both operators and drivers.
What’s being proposed
At the moment, drivers have to build up consecutive (unbroken) safe years to earn ROSCO badges.
The board is have agreed in principle to changing this rule so badges are earned based on aggregate years instead of the current consecutive awards.
Under a possible new system, drivers would keep the safe years they have already earned. If they had a blameworthy accident, they wouldn’t automatically lose all their progress.
What “aggregate years” means
A driver wouldn’t lose progress if they had an ‘incident’
As long as, over time, they build up enough collision-free years with no traffic prosecutions, they would still move on to the next badge.
In practical terms, this means a single incident would not wipe out several years of safe driving performance.
Why no final decision has been made
Although the board has agreed in principle to explore this change, no final decision has been taken.
Before confirming any change, a feasibility study is being carried out to ensure:
The system is technically workable
It is affordable to administer
It does not increase workload for members
It is supported by both operators and drivers
What happens next
A feasibility study is happening now
A short feedback survey has been included in our email newsletter to members
Survey results will be shared in May 2026
If both of these checks look positive, there will be a consultation with bus operators around May–June 2026.
Afinal decision is planned for July 2026
If approved, it could start retrospectively from January 2026
The bigger picture
The intention behind this proposal is to ensure the scheme remains fair, practical and motivating. Recognising long-term safe driving performance while maintaining the integrity and credibility of ROSCO awards. Further updates will be shared as the review progresses.
Pictured Left to right: John Burch with Ruth Graham | John Miller
The Road Operators’ Safety Council (ROSCO), is pleased to announce key updates to its board, strengthening its expertise and recognising significant long-term service.
Ruth Graham appointed as a director
ROSCO is delighted to welcome Ruth Graham to the board as a director.
Ruth is a Partner at DWF Law, based in Manchester, and brings more than 30 years of specialist legal experience supporting the bus and coach industry. Since 1989, she has handled personal injury claims on behalf of operators and has represented many of the UK’s major bus and coach companies in complex claims both in the UK and overseas.
For over two decades, Ruth led the transport team at BLM and has worked closely with the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT), sitting on its claims and insurance subgroup for more than 20 years. In this role, she has provided legal updates and guidance to operators, helping to shape best practice across the sector.
Recognised in The Legal 500 as a leading lawyer, Ruth’s appointment further strengthens ROSCO’s ability to support operators and drivers in navigating an increasingly complex regulatory and safety landscape.
Recognition for John Miller
ROSCO also wishes to formally recognise the outstanding contribution of John Miller, who has dedicated 23 years to supporting and promoting the recognition of professional bus drivers through the ROSCO scheme.
John’s commitment to celebrating safe driving has helped reinforce the value of professionalism and pride across the industry. His work has ensured that thousands of drivers have been recognised for collision-free performance and adherence to high standards.
Although stepping back from the role of Chair, John remains actively involved with ROSCO as a trustee, continuing to contribute his extensive knowledge and experience to the organisation’s future development.
John Burch, Chair of ROSCO, said: “Ruth’s appointment brings significant legal expertise and sector insight to our board at an important time for public transport. At the same time, we are proud to recognise John Miller’s 23 years of dedication to the scheme. His commitment to driver recognition and professionalism has made a lasting impact across our industry.”
As ROSCO continues to evolve, these updates reflect the organisation’s ongoing commitment to strong governance, industry collaboration and maintaining the highest standards of safe driving.
Nottingham City Transport Joins ROSCO Welcoming Over 800 Drivers to the National Safe Driving Scheme
We are proud to welcome Nottingham City Transport (NCT) into its growing network of operators, marking a significant milestone for the industry, as over 800 NCT drivers are now officially enrolled in the ROSCO safe driving scheme.
The addition of NCT, one of the UK’s most respected and multi-award-winning municipal bus operators, further strengthens the reach and impact of the ROSCO scheme, which now supports around 30,000 drivers nationwide.
John Burch, ROSCO Chairperson, said: “We are delighted to welcome Nottingham City Transport to the scheme. Their commitment to driver professionalism and safety aligns perfectly with ROSCO’s mission. With over 800 drivers now taking part, this is a significant boost to our community of safe driving champions, and a major step in our 70th anniversary year.”
David Astill, Managing Director from NCT said: “At NCT, we fully understand the vital link between safe driving and high-quality service delivery. Joining ROSCO is a natural progression for us, one that highlights the professionalism of our drivers. Making membership a standard across our operations is a clear and confident step that underlines our commitment to both safety and service excellence.”
ROSCO’s awards system recognises consistent, blame-free driving with certificates, badges and long-service medals, celebrating the professionalism and pride of those behind the wheel. This addition builds on recent momentum, including the inclusion of Lothian Buses and McGill’s Buses in 2024, as ROSCO continues to grow its influence and reinforce a safety-first culture in the UK public transport sector.
The move comes as the sector responds to new government guidance calling for higher standards of passenger safety and driver welfare. ROSCO’s data-backed approach connects driver performance with behavioural change strategies and complements operator-led safety programmes.
