The Environment, Transport & Growth Cabinet Panel met on Thursday 16 April 2026 to discuss the Dacorum Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) and the Sustainable Hertfordshire Strategy Work Plan. The panel endorsed the adoption of the Dacorum LCWIP and recommended the approval of the Sustainable Hertfordshire Work Plan.

Dacorum Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP)

The panel was presented with the completed Dacorum Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP), which outlines proposed improvements to walking and cycling routes across Hemel Hempstead, Berkhamsted, and Tring. The plan, developed in partnership with Dacorum Borough Council, incorporates feedback from extensive public consultation, with 62% of respondents supporting improvements to walking and cycling. Key proposals include segregated cycleways along major inter-urban routes like London Road between Hemel Hempstead and Tring, junction improvements to enhance safety, and traffic calming measures in residential areas.

During the discussion, members raised points about the need for robust maintenance of existing infrastructure, lower speeds near schools, and improved crossing facilities. Concerns were also voiced about the potential impact of the proposals on traffic congestion and parking, particularly in town centres. The plan acknowledges the need for further detailed design and consultation for each scheme. The panel unanimously endorsed the adoption of the Dacorum LCWIP by Cabinet, with minor amendments to address specific road location descriptions.

Sustainable Hertfordshire Strategy Principles Work Plan

The panel received an update on the Sustainable Hertfordshire Strategy and its associated Work Plan. The strategy aims to embed sustainability across all council operations and services, with a focus on five key project areas: embedding the principles, nature-based solutions, tree planting, healthier air quality, and supporting pathfinder projects.

The Work Plan details priorities for the Sustainable Hertfordshire team and outlines how the council will work with external partners, including district and borough councils, schools, and community groups. Key initiatives include expanding the 'Your Tree Our Future' programme with an ambition to plant 150,000 trees by 2027, investing £350,000 in air quality monitoring and purification projects, and supporting pathfinder projects through the Sustainable Hertfordshire Central Fund.

Members discussed the importance of a holistic approach to sustainability, the challenges of resource allocation, and the need for effective communication to engage residents. The panel recommended the approval of the Sustainable Hertfordshire Work Plan to Cabinet.

Hertfordshire Road Safety Partnership's Road Safety Strategy

The panel was presented with the draft Road Safety Strategy, developed by the Hertfordshire Road Safety Partnership. The strategy aligns with the national road safety targets, aiming for a 65% reduction in deaths and serious injuries by 2035, with a 70% reduction for children under 16. It adopts a 'Safe System' approach, acknowledging human error and focusing on creating a resilient system with multiple layers of protection.

Key strategic objectives include ensuring appropriate speed limits, improving road user behaviour through education and enforcement, promoting safer vehicles, and enhancing post-crash response. The strategy also emphasizes the importance of community involvement in reporting issues and fostering safer road use. The panel endorsed the draft strategy for public consultation.

Bus Reform & Franchising Pilot and Statutory Franchising Assessment

Alice Missler, Passenger Transport Manager, presented an update on Hertfordshire's participation in the Department for Transport's Bus Reform and Franchising Pilot Programme. The pilot explores how bus franchising powers, introduced by the Buses Act 2025, could be applied in non-metropolitan and rural areas. Under a franchise model, the council would specify routes, fares, and service levels, then contract operators.

Emerging findings suggest North and East Hertfordshire, including Stevenage, as the most suitable location for a pilot. The council is developing a pre-assessment business case and is seeking support in principle to progress to a full Statutory Franchising Assessment. This more rigorous process requires a comprehensive assessment, independent audit, and statutory public consultation. The DfT has indicated that additional funding may be available to support this next stage, and the panel supported the Director of Transport in submitting a funding application. Members discussed the potential for behavioural change, the importance of reliable information at bus stops, and the challenges and costs associated with electrifying bus fleets.