Department for Transport has appointed its current aviation director Tricia Hayes FCIHT as the new director general of roads, devolution and motoring. She will replace acting director general John Dowie in March.

Ms Hayes has 28 years of experience in the civil service and has occupied a number of senior posts at the DfT. She became a director in 2007 and initially worked on roads and motoring issues.

She has also been responsible for freight and logistics policy, delivering the Government’s 2011 Growth Review for the Logistics Sector, and led the department’s relationship with Transport for London through the 2013 Spending Round.

Ms Hayes said: “This is an exciting time to be taking up this key role, with the Government delivering the biggest investment in roads for a generation.

“I’m looking forward to working with partners across the country to ensure that our roads and local transport networks, which help shape the day to day quality of life of all our citizens, are safe, modern and reliable. I can’t wait to get started.”

DfT said recruitment will begin shortly to appoint her replacement as aviation director.

Her predecessor John Dowie was named acting director general of the roads, traffic and local group in May 2015. Prior to this he led on the establishment of Highways England and the Government’s Road Investment Strategy.