John Shelton’s Legacy Lives On as Heroes Awards Renames “Knight of the Road” Award in His Honour

This year’s Heroes Awards will include a poignant tribute, as the prestigious “Knight of the Road” award is officially being renamed in honour of highways operative John Shelton, who tragically lost his life while working on the network last year.

The ceremony, taking place on 1 December 2026 at the Chancery Rosewood in London, will bring together industry professionals from across the highways and transportation sector to recognise acts of courage, dedication and selflessness. Alongside celebrating outstanding achievements, the event will also provide an opportunity to reflect on the risks faced daily by frontline workers who keep the nation’s roads moving safely.

John was posthumously honoured at last year’s Heroes Awards, where colleagues, friends and industry leaders paid tribute to his commitment, professionalism and the impact he had on those around him. Following overwhelming support from across the sector, organisers have now confirmed the permanent renaming of the award in his memory — ensuring his legacy and contribution to the highways industry will never be forgotten.

The newly titled “John Shelton Knight of the Road Award” will recognise individuals who demonstrate exceptional professionalism, bravery and dedication while working on the network — whether supporting members of the public, assisting colleagues, or responding to challenging situations in high-risk environments.

Renaming the award is intended not only to honour John’s contribution to the industry, but also to serve as a lasting reminder of the dedication shown by highways workers across the country who put themselves at risk every day to keep others safe. Organisers say the decision reflects the enormous respect John earned throughout the sector and the impact his loss had on colleagues and the wider highways community.

Paying tribute, Lucy Masters said:

“John was incredibly proud of the work he did and the people he worked alongside. It’s so important to us that he is remembered not just for how he died, but for the person he was and the difference he made every single day. Knowing that this award will carry his name means his legacy will continue to live on, and that means everything to our family.”

John’s passing deeply affected colleagues and the wider highways community, prompting tributes from across the industry and renewed conversations around safety, welfare and support for those working on or near live traffic environments.

The tribute to John serves as a powerful reminder of the shared responsibility across the sector to look after its people while continuing to deliver essential services and maintain the safety of the nation’s road network.

Alicia Hibberts, Operations Director at the Heroes Awards, said:

“These awards really matter because they recognise the individuals who are out there every day, often in difficult and high-risk environments, doing extraordinary things without expecting recognition. To be nominated — let alone win — is something incredibly special, and it’s widely seen as the pinnacle of achievement across the highways and transportation sector.Renaming this award in John’s honour ensures that his legacy will continue to inspire others for generations to come and will forever remind the industry of the incredible people who dedicate their lives to keeping our roads safe.”

Heroes Awards organisers say the decision reflects a desire not only to honour John, but also to recognise the thousands of highways operatives across the country who work tirelessly, often in dangerous and demanding conditions, to keep road users safe.

As the industry gathers in December, the newly renamed award will stand as a quiet but powerful acknowledgement of John Shelton’s life, his service, and the enduring impact he made on the people and profession he cared so deeply about.