ROSCO has congratulated Gavin Justice of McGill’s Bus Group and Dawid Zochowski of Go North East after they claimed the two ROSCO-sponsored awards at the 2026 UK Bus Driver of the Year competition.

The National Final, held in Blackpool on Sunday 6 September, brought together some of the UK bus industry’s leading professional drivers to test their driving ability, road safety knowledge and skills.

Gavin Justice of McGill’s Bus Group was presented with the ROSCO Award, recognising the highest-placed competitor from an operator in membership of the Road Operators’ Safety Council. Gavin delivered an outstanding performance to finish second overall in the national competition.

This year also saw the first presentation of the ROSCO Best Newcomer Award, introduced to recognise the highest-placed driver entering the Bus Driver of the Year competition for the first time. The award was open to all first-time competitors and was not limited to drivers from ROSCO member organisations.

The inaugural award was presented to Dawid Zochowski of Go North East, who marked his first appearance at the National Final with an impressive fourth-place finish overall.

ROSCO sponsors the awards as part of its commitment to recognising the skill, professionalism and responsibility demonstrated by bus drivers across the UK.

The Best Newcomer Award was introduced for 2026 to encourage more drivers to experience the competition and ensure that those stepping onto the national stage for the first time have an additional opportunity to be recognised.

John Burch, Chair of ROSCO:

“Congratulations to Gavin and Dawid on two fantastic performances.

Bus Driver of the Year provides an important opportunity for our industry to recognise the professionalism, judgement and skill that drivers demonstrate every day.

Gavin’s result is a great achievement and we are delighted to recognise him as this year’s ROSCO Award winner. It is equally fitting that our first Best Newcomer Award goes to Dawid after such an impressive first appearance.

Recognising safe and professional driving is at the heart of ROSCO, and both awards help us celebrate the people who are setting high standards across our industry.”

ROSCO would also like to congratulate every driver who reached the 2026 National Final and thank the organisers, volunteers, operators and supporters involved in delivering another successful competition.