Transport Planner and Young Transport Planner of the Year announced!

Nicola Waight announced as 2024 Transport Planner of the Year

A huge congratulations to Nicola Waight, Team Leader of Transport Planning Services at Hampshire County Council, on winning the Transport Planner of the Year award, presented at this year’s Transport Planning Day.

Nicola was nominated for her outstanding work in establishing the Fixing Transport Assessments National Working Group. She has been instrumental in holding transport assessment guidance accountable, ensuring it prioritises sustainability while remaining adaptable to evolving policies. Presented to the Department for Transport (DfT), her work promises to be transformative for the transport planning sector.

Congratulations also to runner-up, Sam Margolis, Head of Transport Strategy and Projects at Camden Council and Co-Chair of LoTAG, whose transformative work has pushed the borough towards sustainable-first travel. 

Devon Barrett and Hannah Donovan announced as 2024 Young Transport Planners of the Year

With so many exceptional entries this year, we’re thrilled to have two Young Transport Planners of the Year.

Congratulations firstly to Devon Barrett, CTO of Podaris. At just 28, Devon is already a leader in transport innovation, having led high-profile projects with the likes of Google and Arup. His work has also helped secure nearly £100 million in funding for bus service improvements. Invested in advancing the industry, Devon has trained over 500 planners and regularly leads impactful workshops, shaping the future of transport planning worldwide.

Congratulations also to Hannah Donovan, a transport modeler at Transport for London, for her exceptional achievements in 2023/24. Hannah led the benefits analysis for a £200m Docklands Light Railway financing application, securing £10-15m in debt servicing savings for TfL. She also provided critical modelling for a £230m train order on the Elizabeth line, addressing crowding and environmental impacts. Dedicated to professional development, Hannah has mentored graduates and supported colleagues with TPS accreditations. She also played a pivotal role in the £19bn Elizabeth line analysis and has presented at major industry conferences, inspiring the next generation of transport planners.

A huge well done also to runner-up, Natalie Gravett-Foyn, a Transport Planner at Arup, whose commitment to decarbonisation and accessibility within the sector makes her one to watch.