Labour councillor Sarah Young announced as Hackney’s new transport chief

New transport boss Cllr Sarah Young (far left) with Mayor Woodley (far right) and parks staff. Photograph: Hackney Council

Hackney’s new transport chief Cllr Sarah Young (Labour) is to begin her role from 14 October, the council has confirmed.

On Monday, a council press release formally announced Cllr Young’s appointment as cabinet member for climate, environment and transport, filling the post vacated by Cllr Mete Coban in July.

In her statement, Cllr Young said: “Hackney is at the forefront of the fight against climate change and in working for cleaner air, a greener borough and sustainable transport for our residents.

“I am very much looking forward to continuing to deliver on our Climate Action Plan and working with the people of Hackney to make sure that we all benefit.”

The appointment comes as Mayor Woodley replaces Cllr Coban, who resigned this summer to take a new position in City Hall as deputy mayor of London for environment and energy.

Since July, Woodley has taken an interim lead on the transport brief, as the council pushes on with new transport infrastructure projects and traffic reduction schemes.

Mayor Woodley’s statement praised Cllr Young as a “determined advocate for Hackney and its communities”.

“[Sarah] has a wealth of professional experience in environmental sustainability, from green energy to retrofit strategies.

“Hackney has long been a leader in the response to the climate emergency, and I’ve no doubt that Sarah will bring fresh eyes, energy and expertise to continue that mission.”

Cllr Young represents Woodberry Down ward in north Hackney. She was elected in 2021 during a slate of by-elections where Labour fought off challenges from anti-low traffic neighbourhood (LTN) independents.

As the borough’s new transport lead, she faces a demanding brief when she assumes the role in just under two weeks.

The council has recently faced persistent criticism on a number of transport issues, with some residents attacking the implementation of LTNs over air pollution and higher traffic collisions.

Conversely, others have grilled the Mayor over delays to LTN rollouts across the borough.

Pro-cycling campaigners on Friday also urged the council to reconsider its plans for Pembury Circus junction, amid fears of safety hazards.