DfT brings in Shoaf and Shaw to tackle violence against women

The government has chosen two leaders at the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) to oversee efforts to tackle violence against women and girls on transport.

WMCA interim chief executive Laura Shoaf and Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) interim managing director Anne Shaw are the UK’s first Violence Against Women and Girls Transport Champions.

Their appointment was part of the wider Violence Against Women And Girls strategy unveiled by the Home Office.

Under the new role they will work with the DfT, as well as passenger groups and the transport industry, to identify areas for improvement across the country’s transport network.

The DfT has also issued a call for evidence to see how their guidance on street design can be updated to take more account of women’s safety when planning highways.

The West Midlands is the only region in England with a joint combined authority and transport authority led by women.

Laura Shoaf was made the interim chief executive of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) in June (LTT 28 June) while Anne Shaw became interim managing director of TfWM in July (LTT 26 July).