The Environment, Transport & Growth Cabinet Panel met on Thursday 11 June 2026 to discuss a range of issues including road safety, bus franchising, air quality, and the adoption of streets. Key decisions included recommending to Cabinet the progression to a statutory franchising assessment for bus services in North Herts, East Herts, and Stevenage, and endorsing the East Herts Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan for adoption by Cabinet. The panel also noted the draft Speed Management Strategy for public consultation and received an update on the response to a motion regarding the adoption of streets.

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 raised by residents and local members, officers noted that collision statistics did not meet the threshold for designation as a hazardous site. However, the petition's aspirations align with the North Herts Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP). Potential interventions could be funded through Section 106 contributions from a forthcoming development in North Letchworth. The panel agreed to request officers to undertake further work on validating proposed crossing upgrades and to liaise with local members and the relevant executive member. It was also noted that Letchworth would be considered as part of the 20mph zone programme.

East Herts Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP)

The panel endorsed the East Herts LCWIP, which identifies walking and cycling improvements across the district, with a focus on larger settlements. The plan was developed in partnership with East Herts District Council and involved extensive consultation with the local community and key stakeholders, receiving over 2,600 comments. The adoption of the LCWIP will support the development and implementation of proposed improvements, enable bidding for further funding, and facilitate securing planning contributions from developers. The plan aligns with national and county-level strategies to promote active travel and improve health and environmental outcomes.

Bus Services Franchising Assessment

The panel was updated on the progress of the bus reform and franchising pre-assessment work for North Herts, East Herts, and Stevenage. The panel recommended to Cabinet that the Council should progress to a Full Statutory Franchising Assessment process, subject to confirmation of funding from the Department for Transport. This statutory assessment is a legally defined process involving detailed analysis, an independent audit, and public consultation, and does not constitute a decision to implement franchising.

Healthier Air Strategy

The panel recommended to Cabinet the adoption of the Healthier Air Strategy, subject to any minor amendments. The strategy aims to create healthier air for all in Hertfordshire. The strategy builds on previous work by expanding its focus to include indoor air pollution and biological material, alongside traditional outdoor pollutants. It strengthens links with health partners and promotes a focus on reducing pollution at source. The strategy was developed following a six-week public consultation that received 455 responses, with 80-85% approval for its five overarching outcomes.

Hertfordshire's Speed Management Strategy (SMS)

The panel noted the report, and the draft strategy will now go out for public consultation. The strategy aims to manage vehicle speeds to reduce road casualties, support active travel, and improve health and wellbeing. It 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 approach will be flexible and context-sensitive, incorporating engineering, education, enforcement, technology, and community engagement.

Starship Technologies Robot Delivery Trial

The panel supported the development of a scalable framework for safely implementing, monitoring, and refining ADR trials. The panel was invited to note the opportunity to support and enable a trial of autonomous delivery robots (ADRs) operated by Starship Technologies on selected public highway sections in Stevenage. This trial, delivered through the Hertfordshire Living Lab initiative, will generate local evidence on safety, operational performance, accessibility, public perception, and environmental benefits. The trial will be cost-neutral to the Council, with Starship Technologies covering all expenses.

Corporate and Operational Performance Update (Q3)

The panel noted the new format of the quarterly performance report and shared comments on the content, format, and structure. The report highlighted progress against priorities, with two key priorities directly relating to the panel's remit: fixing roads and buses and sustainable Hertfordshire. The panel found the snapshots deck particularly helpful for assimilating information.

Response to Motion: Adoption of Streets

The panel agreed to modify the recommendations to include an additional recommendation for the Executive Member for Environment, Transport and Growth to write to the government advocating for national reforms to ensure highways in new developments are constructed to adoptable standards. The panel received an update on the ongoing work to address a motion concerning the adoption of streets across Hertfordshire. Officers are researching the issue, engaging with other councils in the Eastern Region, and gathering data. Initial findings indicate that problems with unadopted roads are common across authorities, with varying remedies. A key challenge identified is the lack of data on private streets where developers have chosen not to engage with the council.

The next Environment, Transport and Growth Cabinet Panel meeting is scheduled for 24 September 2026.