The Environment, Transport and Growth Cabinet Panel met on Thursday 24 September 2026 to discuss a range of issues, including a petition for speed cameras in Oxhey Hall, the draft Local Transport Plan, and updates to council planning guides. The panel also reviewed corporate and operational performance and discussed the committee's work programme.

Petition for Speed Cameras in Oxhey Hall

The panel considered a petition from residents of Oxhey Hall requesting speed calming measures, such as average speed cameras, on Brookdene Avenue, Hampermill Lane, and Eastbury Road. The petitioner, Shelley, highlighted concerns about speeding vehicles, citing numerous road traffic incidents and a daily fear of disruption. While acknowledging the residents' concerns, officers noted that current collision data did not meet the criteria for a casualty-reduction scheme or additional safety camera enforcement. The report recommended proportionate local interventions, including further consideration of reallocating parking on Brookdene Avenue to narrow the carriageway, a review of external funding opportunities for a crossing table on Hampermill Lane, and the potential use of Speed Indicator Devices (SIDs). After discussion, the panel requested officers to undertake further work on pragmatic solutions, including a consultation on a Footway Protection Order (VFPO).

Local Transport Plan

Trevor Mason, Head of Transport Planning, presented the draft Local Transport Plan (LTP) for public consultation. The LTP sets the direction for all council transport activities and is a requirement for local transport authorities. The current plan, adopted eight years prior, needed updating due to new government guidance. The draft LTP, Part A, outlines the vision, objectives, and broad framework, with Part B to be developed later in conjunction with the Spatial Development Strategy. The vision is to deliver a safe, accessible and sustainable transport system for our communities by 2050. The panel endorsed the draft LTP for public consultation, with a commitment to engage younger people in the process.

Adoption of Updated HCC Guides

David Hodbod, Head of Planning, presented updates to three HCC guides: the Local Plans Engagement Document, the Service Provision and Placemaking Guide, and the Guide to Developer Infrastructure Contributions. These guides set out the council's terms of engagement with district planning matters, requirements for strategic development sites, and the approach to securing Section 106 agreements. Key changes included updating the evidence base for costs, introducing new sections for home-to-school transport and adult skills funding, and merging fire, police, and ambulance services into a blue light chapter. A significant change to the legal pack involved replacing individual liability clauses with a negatively worded clause to restrict occupation of dwellings if developer contributions are not paid, thereby incentivising developers. The panel endorsed the revised guides and recommended their approval to Cabinet.

Update on Corporate and Operational Performance

Mark Pope, Head of Corporate Performance & Business Insight, presented the Quarter 1 performance report, which has been revised to a Power BI dashboard for greater clarity and interactivity. The report focuses on Environment, Transport and Growth (ETG) areas and aligns with the Corporate Plan. The panel noted the new format and discussed current performance levels, progress, and concerns. A specific question was raised regarding the amber rating for 20mph zones, which was explained as being due to ongoing consultation and local support requirements. The panel also discussed the challenges of cross-portfolio responsibilities, such as 20mph zones falling under Fixing Hertfordshire's Roads and Buses but being operationally delivered by Highways, with policy and process residing within ETG. The team agreed to work on clarifying portfolio labelling within the dashboard. Tony Kingsbury raised a specific concern about the increase in the saver card for younger people, which was explained as an unfortunate but necessary decision due to the expiry of Bus Service Improvement Plan funding and challenges with bus operators.

Cabinet Panel Work Programme

The panel reviewed its work programme for 2026/27. Officers will work to reduce the number of items scheduled for the October panel meeting, as it is anticipated to be a lengthy session. Some items may be provided as information notes via email. The panel agreed to defer a motion proposed by John Graham and seconded by Richard Roberts regarding unspent developer contributions to the 1st December panel meeting, rather than the October meeting, due to time pressures. David Hodbod provided a response to the motion, explaining that while the council is effective at collecting Section 106 money, spending it can take a long time due to the complexity of projects, particularly new schools. The panel supported the motion and invited Cabinet to consider it.

The meeting concluded with the Chair thanking everyone for their time and contributions. The next panel meeting is scheduled for 22 October 2026.