Julie Davidson, quality manager for Lincoln-headquartered aviation and highways specialist Jointline, has been named as the first female chair of the Road Safety Markings Association (RSMA) in its 47-year history.
Established in 1976, the RSMA is one of the largest specialist trade bodies in the highways sector, that works with partners and stakeholders to create a safer road network.
Current priorities include the challenges of reducing the carbon emissions of heavy plant machinery, driving industry-wide recruitment and specialist training, and the maintenance of line markings on the UK’s road network, which must develop swiftly to support the technology required for autonomous vehicles.
Julie Davidson, 52, sits on the board of the RSMA, with her fellow board members having selected her as the new chair. She takes over from Justin Fischbach who was in post for 12 months. Julie will be supported by Rob Shearing, the recently appointed CEO, who joined the membership organisation in May 2023, having previously been CEO of Wolverhampton City Credit Union.
Rob Shearing, CEO of the RSMA, said: “We are thrilled to appoint Julie to the position of chair of the RSMA. Her insight and technical knowledge of the quality, safety, compliance, and environmental standards that bodies such as National Highways and local authorities require for future contracts will be a tremendous asset to our whole membership.
“The high level of research and development undertaken by our members and partners to create smarter, more advanced highways, sees the UK regarded as a leader in road marking technology. Many of our member companies employ skilled UK workforces that operate globally. Myself, the board, and all member organisations offer our full support to Julie in steering the RSMA to a bright future.”
Julie Davidson joined Jointline in 2006, progressing to the role of quality manager in 2014. Established in 1987, the British-owned business has three main divisions; highways; airfield and distribution centre lining; and civil engineering, all of which have seen substantial growth over the past year.
Julie Davidson said: “It is an honour to sit on the board of the RSMA and I am excited to continue the work of Justin Fischbach as the new chair. A lot of the work undertaken at Jointline to invest in specialist training, recruit apprentices to learn from our experienced workforce, and our journey to net zero, is relevant to the wider membership. I hope that my appointment will help to encourage more women into the industry.
“With a General Election likely next Autumn, the RSMA will also be campaigning for enhanced infrastructure investment. Upgrading the UK’s road markings would help ensure safer journeys for all and pave the way for the gradual introduction of autonomous vehicles.”
