Graham Dalton, chief executive of the Highways Agency (HA), has announced that he will step down from his position in the summer of this year. The HA is a Department for Transport agency, and is expected to become a government-owned company if the Infrastructure Bill is passed. The Bill is currently progressing through Parliament.

Mr Dalton has been in his position for seven years, during which time he has overseen a variety of major upgrades to the UK’s road network: one of the most intensively used in Europe. A successor has yet to be appointed.

Announcing his decision, Mr Dalton said: “It has been a privilege to lead the Highways Agency through such an exciting time. I am leaving the business in good shape with a great team of people and an unprecedented 5 year fixed investment plan.”

The transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin thanked Mr Dalton for his hard work in the role, adding that his focus on motorists’ interests had been particularly valuable.