Mary Williams OBE is retiring as chief executive of Brake nearly 30 years after she founded the road safety charity.

Mary Williams established Brake in 1994 to prevent road crashes and support road victims

Previously a transport journalist specialised in investigative reporting, Williams established Brake in 1994 to prevent road crashes and support road victims. Since then, the charity has grown into a globally recognised organisation, renowned for its campaigning for positive change and safe roads for all.

Its work includes advising UK government on matters ranging from vehicle licensing to speed enforcement and criminal justice, encouraging action in communities and delivering its National Road Victim Service across the UK.

Brake also works with fleets to address corporate road safety and provide critical resources, including the establishment of its Global Fleet Champions campaign in 2019.

Brake’s work in the fields of road safety and road victim care saw Williams receive an OBE in the Queens honours list in 2000 and multiple honorary awards and degrees from prestigious universities and national organisations in the transport sector.

Announcing her retirement, Williams thanked everyone who has worked to support the road safety cause and urged for continued action to “stop the daily carnage, pollution, impact on climate emergency” and to support families suffering bereavement and injury from crashes.

She added: “It is essential that there is continued, loud, campaigning for safe roads and clean, green transport in the UK. There is also an urgent need for continued, and more, provision of expert and immediate care for road victims.”

Ross Moorlock, Brake’s chief operating officer, will lead the charity while a new CEO is appointed.

Deborah Sleightholme, chair of trustees, commented: “Brake is where it is today because of Mary and all at the charity recognise and thank her for that. She leaves with our very best wishes.”