The Environment, Transport & Growth Cabinet Panel met on Thursday 11 June 2026 to discuss a range of issues including road safety, active travel infrastructure, bus services, air quality, speed management, autonomous delivery robots, corporate performance, and street adoption policies. Key decisions included endorsing the progression to a statutory franchising assessment for bus services in North Herts, East Herts, and Stevenage, and recommending the adoption of the East Herts Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan. The panel also noted the draft Speed Management Strategy for public consultation and supported a trial of autonomous delivery robots in Stevenage. Discussions also covered the Healthier Air Strategy and a response to a motion on street adoption, with the latter leading to an additional recommendation to lobby the government for national reforms.

Bird's Hill/Norton Way South Roundabout Safety

The panel discussed a petition requesting improved pedestrian safety at the Bird's Hill/Norton Way South roundabout in Letchworth Garden City. While acknowledging the concerns and aligning with the aspirations of the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP), officers noted that current collision data did not meet the threshold for designation as a hazardous site. However, it was agreed that officers would develop options for improvements, potentially funded by Section 106 contributions from a new development in North Letchworth, and explore integration with the 20mph zone programme. The panel requested officers to undertake further work and liaise with local members and the Executive Member for Environment, Transport and Growth regarding potential interventions.

East Herts Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP)

The panel endorsed the adoption of the East Herts LCWIP, a plan developed in partnership with East Herts District Council and informed by extensive stakeholder and public feedback. The strategy identifies walking and cycling improvements across the district, focusing on larger settlements and key links. The plan aligns with the East Herts Local Plan and aims to secure funding for infrastructure improvements and developer contributions. The panel recommended to Cabinet that the final East Herts LCWIP be formally adopted.

Bus Services Franchising Assessment

The panel received an update on the progression of the bus reform and franchising pre-assessment work for North Herts, East Herts, and Stevenage. It was noted that the Department for Transport had delayed the announcement of a funding bid outcome until the end of June. The panel noted the continued positive progress of the pre-assessment work and recommended that Cabinet decide to progress to a full statutory franchising assessment process, subject to the Department for Transport confirming funding.

Healthier Air Strategy

Matt Clark, Programme Manager for Air Quality, presented the final draft Healthier Air Strategy, which builds on the current Air Quality Strategy by incorporating a broader focus on indoor air pollution and biological material, alongside traditional outdoor pollutants. The strategy aims to promote understanding, enable community involvement, foster partnerships, enhance monitoring, and reduce emissions and exposure. The strategy aligns with World Health Organization guidelines and aims to be more ambitious than current legal limits. The panel noted the report and endorsed its adoption by Cabinet, with minor amendments.

Speed Management Strategy

Rory McMullan, Head of Implementation & Community Activation, presented the draft Speed Management Strategy, which proposes a shift towards setting speed limits based on the place function and character of a road, rather than solely on existing traffic speeds. The strategy emphasizes a balanced approach combining street design, appropriate limits, enforcement, technology, and community engagement. The panel was asked to note the report ahead of the draft strategy going to public consultation in June 2026.

Starship Technologies Robot Delivery Trial

James Watson and Gary Beaumont presented a proposal for a trial of autonomous delivery robots (ADRs) operated by Starship Technologies in Stevenage. The trial aims to test operational, safety, and community impacts before considering wider rollout. Concerns were raised regarding job displacement, security, and the potential impact on vulnerable road users. Officers highlighted the trial's cost-neutral nature to the council and the potential benefits for accessibility and reducing van traffic. The panel was invited to note the opportunity and support the development of a framework for future ADR trials. Caroline Smith-Wright expressed concerns about the potential for robots to take jobs and the impact on human interaction. The panel voted to proceed with the trial, with Caroline Smith-Wright voting against.

Corporate and Operational Performance Update

Paruk presented the Q3 Quarterly Performance Report, highlighting the new format and its alignment with the administration's corporate plan. The report focused on deliverables within the Environment, Transport and Growth directorate, particularly concerning roads, buses, and sustainability. The panel reviewed the report, noting its usefulness and the substantial progress being made against council priorities.

Response to Motion: Adoption of Streets

Mark Youngman, Development Group Manager, provided an update on the work being undertaken to address a motion concerning unadopted roads. He explained the complexity of the issue, including data gaps on private streets and the challenges of enforcing build quality. The panel discussed the difficulties in forcing developers to adopt roads and the variations in developer preferences. An additional recommendation was proposed and agreed, requesting the Executive Member for Environment, Transport and Growth to write to the government advocating for national reforms to streamline the road adoption process and ensure developers construct roads to adoptable standards. This recommendation was supported by a show of hands and agreed unanimously.

The meeting concluded with the Chair thanking officers and members for their contributions. The next meeting was scheduled for 24 September 2026.