Emma's Story
Meet Emma, a Road Safety Engineer who started her career as a parking assistant and worked her way into engineering.
From enforcement to designing traffic schemes, her journey shows how curiosity, learning on the job, and support from her team can open up new career paths.
Can you tell us a bit about your career path – where you started to where you are now?
I started my career in parking services as a parking assistant, working on enforcement after responsibilities moved from the police to local authorities. Over time, I became curious about the legal side of things, how the rules were made rather than just enforced, which led me into network management, the team where traffic orders and parking schemes are created.
I began as a technical support officer, learning on the job and gaining experience with design systems and legislation. This set me up to move into an Engineer role, where I shifted from enforcement into developing practical solutions for the highways network. Now, as a road safety engineer, I focus on reducing accidents and making roads safer for everyone. It has been 20 years of learning, adapting to new challenges, and growing within a small, supportive team that feels like a second family.
What’s a defining moment in your career that shaped your growth?
The turning point for me was moving from enforcement into engineering. Until then, my role was mainly about responding to issues, but stepping into engineering meant becoming part of the solution, designing schemes, improving safety, and shaping how the network operates. That shift gave me confidence, new technical skills, and a stronger sense of professional identity.
Another defining element has been building my career in what was traditionally a male-dominated field. When I first started, there were very few female engineers, and it motivated me to prove that I could succeed and help open the door for others. Today, there are more women in the service, and it is encouraging to see that change.
What is the most inspiring thing about what you do?
The most inspiring part of my role is knowing that our work can save lives. As a team, we design improvements that reduce accidents and make roads safer for all road users. It is rewarding to see the difference this makes, not just in the statistics, but in the reassurance it brings to local communities.
Being part of a small, close-knit team that shares the same passion makes the job even more meaningful and motivating.
Share one piece of advice you’d give to your day one self.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Highways is a complex area, and no one expects you to know everything on day one. You learn by working with others, listening, and sharing knowledge. Use your team as a support network, and remember there is no such thing as a “stupid” question. Every question is a chance to grow.
Take constructive criticism as an opportunity, not a setback, and keep learning from the people around you. That is what builds confidence and helps you progress.
