The Environment, Transport & Growth Cabinet Panel met on Thursday 22 October 2026. The panel recommended to Cabinet that it endorse the decision of the Herts Innovation Quarter Board to release up to £5 million in funding for projects within the Herts Innovation Quarter. They also recommended the adoption of Hertfordshire's Road Safety Partnership's Road Safety Strategy to Cabinet. The panel reviewed the draft Local Flood Risk Management Strategy and sought approval from the chief officer to proceed with a six-week public consultation. They discussed the ongoing challenges of unadopted roads and pavement parking. The panel was invited to endorse the Hertfordshire Essex Rapid Transit (HERT) strategy ahead of a public consultation. The panel was asked to approve its work programme for 2026/27, subject to an amendment to include the Speed Management Strategy on the agenda for the 1 December meeting. An addendum to the discussion on the Road Safety Strategy provided updated figures on the Local Transport Grant funding from central government, confirming Hertfordshire County Council will receive £38.5 million over the next four years.

Herts Innovation Quarter Funding

The panel recommended to Cabinet that it endorse the decision of the Herts Innovation Quarter Board to release up to £5 million over three years (2026-2029) from Herts Innovation Quarter's reserves. This funding will be allocated through an open call for projects supporting economic development, business growth, regeneration, employment, skills, training, clean growth, carbon reduction, and environmental improvements within the Herts Innovation Quarter Enterprise Zone, Dacorum, and St Albans areas. This decision was unanimously supported.

Hertfordshire's Road Safety Strategy

The panel unanimously recommended the adoption of Hertfordshire's Road Safety Partnership's Road Safety Strategy to Cabinet. The strategy, which aligns with the national ambition to reduce deaths and serious injuries by 65% by 2035, adopts a Safe System approach focusing on safe roads, road users, speeds, vehicles, post-crash response, and community involvement. The strategy was updated following public consultation, with increased emphasis on vulnerable road users, rural roads, and clearer delivery arrangements.

Local Flood Risk Management Strategy

The panel reviewed the draft Local Flood Risk Management Strategy, which sets out how Hertfordshire County Council, as the Lead Local Flood Authority, will manage local flood risk from surface water, groundwater, and ordinary watercourses between 2026 and 2036. The strategy incorporates updated guidance, lessons learned from recent flood events, and the impacts of climate change. The panel sought approval from the chief officer to proceed with a six-week public consultation on the draft strategy.

Unadopted Roads

A motion regarding unadopted roads was discussed, highlighting issues such as fly-tipping, poor maintenance, and a lack of clarity over responsibilities in areas where roads have not been formally adopted by the council. The panel noted the significant financial implications of adopting all unadopted roads, estimated at over £1 billion. Recommendations were made to improve information on the council's website regarding the adoption process, to exercise professional judgment in assessing road standards for adoption, to continue discussions with Local Planning Authorities to agree adoption extent earlier in the planning process, and for officers to support the Executive Member in seeking a response from the Secretary of State regarding national legislation.

Pavement Parking

The panel discussed a motion concerning pavement parking, acknowledging the government's intention to introduce new powers for local authorities to control pavement parking. However, due to the lack of detail in the forthcoming secondary legislation and guidance, the panel agreed to defer any response to the motion until this information becomes available. A more substantive report will be brought forward once the legislative framework is clearer.

Hertfordshire Essex Rapid Transit (HERT) Strategy

The panel was invited to endorse the HERT strategy, a mass transit system planned to run between Hemel Hempstead and Harlow, connecting key towns, employment centres, new developments, and five national rail stations. The strategy aims to support economic growth, improve the environment, and foster vibrant communities. The strategy will now proceed to a six-week public consultation, with a view to formal adoption by Cabinet in February 2027.

Cabinet Panel Work Programme

The panel was asked to approve its work programme for 2026/27, subject to an amendment to include the Speed Management Strategy on the agenda for the 1 December meeting.

Local Transport Grant Funding

An addendum to the discussion on the Road Safety Strategy provided updated figures on the Local Transport Grant funding from central government. Hertfordshire County Council will receive £38.5 million over the next four years, with allocations increasing from approximately £5 million this year to over £14 million in 2029-30. This capital funding will be used for various transport purposes, including road safety initiatives.