The new division, headed by Stephen Elderkin, will work with National Highways’ executive directors and board to deliver ambitious plan to cut carbon emissions to net zero across England’s motorways and major A-roads by 2050.

It brings together National Highways’ environmental teams and a new carbon team into one central division to raise the profile of environment within the organisation.

The division will also develop National Highways’ new environmental strategy – a key theme that will be central to any future road investment strategies.

Elderkin is moving into the new post having led the £1bn A12 upgrade scheme for the last three years.

His career prior to joining National Highways focussed on environmental sustainability, including working for the Department of Energy and Climate Change and Defra. His roles included leading the Government analysis for the Climate Change Act, carbon budgets and energy efficiency policies.

He said: “National Highways connects the country, playing a vital role in national prosperity. But we must do that sustainably, making our contribution to achieving a net zero economy and showing ambition and leadership to leave a positive legacy through our approach to the environment.

“The challenge to us and the industry is to demonstrate how we are delivering improved environment outcomes; rapidly decarbonising transport and supporting biodiversity to create the cleaner, greener network a zero carbon Britain needs.

“The environmental challenges we face can only be achieved by working together – I look forward to working with our supply chain partners and stakeholders to achieve our ambitious goals.”