The Highways Cabinet Panel of Hertfordshire County Council met on Monday 13 July 2026 to discuss a range of highway maintenance and strategy issues. Key decisions included noting the findings of a trial into alternative pothole repair methods, which will see the continued use of 'Roadmender' for Category 2 works, and receiving a verbal update on the significant increase in pothole repairs during the first six months of the year, largely attributed to adverse weather conditions. The panel also discussed the ongoing rollout of 20mph speed limit zones across the county and reviewed the council's budget for highways maintenance.

Trial of Alternative Approaches to Fixing Potholes

The panel received the final report on the trial of alternative pothole fixing methods, specifically 'Roadmender' and 'Roadmaster'. Councillor Catherine Stephen Giles-Medhurst, Cabinet Member for Highways, highlighted that while no single silver bullet was found, valuable lessons were learned. Chris Allen-Smith, who manages the asset management and maintenance team, explained that 'Roadmender' proved effective for Category 2 potholes, helping to prevent future Category 1 issues. The trial indicated that 'Roadmender' repairs were durable, with none from early trials failing. However, the cost-effectiveness of 'Roadmender' was found to be dependent on site selection to ensure crew efficiency, as isolated repairs could be prohibitively expensive. 'Roadmaster', a spray injection patching technique, was found to be effective in rural areas but less aesthetically pleasing for urban settings. The panel noted the findings, agreeing to continue using 'Roadmender' as a permanent part of the council's pothole repair toolkit.

Verbal Update on Pothole Repairs and Weather Conditions

Councillor Stephen Giles-Medhurst provided a verbal update on pothole repairs, noting a significant increase in Category 1 potholes during the first six months of the year. A total of 19,197.5 work units were recorded, a 54% increase compared to the same period last year. This surge was attributed to the exceptionally wet weather and freezing night conditions experienced in January and February. Despite the high volume, the council managed to fix 98.69% of Category 1 potholes within the required timeframes. The panel also heard about the use of gritters during hot weather to address softening asphalt surfaces, a measure explained by Chris Allen-Smith. Councillor Michael Blessing, representing Hertford Rural, expressed thanks to the highway operatives for their hard work in challenging conditions. Councillor Matt Cowley raised concerns about data accuracy, which officers assured would be double-checked.

Concrete Roads Programme 2026/27

The panel received an information note on the planned programme for maintaining concrete roads, many of which were built in the post-war period and often have a thin asphalt surface. Chris Allen-Smith, Group Manager for Asset Management & Maintenance, explained that these roads have unique maintenance needs due to the concrete base's expansion joints and potential utility company interventions. While complete rebuilding is costly, the programme will focus on the most effective compromise, such as applying new asphalt surfaces with a finite life or localised patching. The strategy aims to address surface defects and elongate the road surface life. Discussions also touched upon the challenges of coordinating with utility companies and the financial sustainability of different repair methods.

Hertfordshire's Speed Management Strategy

Rory McMullan, Head of Implementation & Community Activation, presented the draft Speed Management Strategy, which aims to set speed limits based on the function of the road rather than solely on mean speeds. The strategy focuses on 'survivable speeds' and aligns with the Local Transport Plan and Road Safety Strategy. It proposes a balanced approach incorporating street design, appropriate speed limits, enforcement, technology, and community engagement. The strategy is currently out for public consultation. Councillor Alistair Willoughby raised points about optional 20mph limits on industrial/commercial service roads and local distributor roads, which were noted as potentially being reflected in the strategy. Councillor Liz Needham inquired about the consultation process, and officers explained the methods used, including website publicity, emails to stakeholders, and local campaigns. The panel was informed that there is no set percentage for consultation responses, but the aim is to achieve over 500 responses for strategies. Councillor Vishal Patel asked about enforcement alternatives, and officers outlined a graduated approach involving community awareness, 'Drive Safe' initiatives, and potential engineering schemes like traffic calming.

Hertfordshire's 20mph Programme Delivery Update

Rory McMullan provided an update on the progress of the 20mph programme, highlighting the use of engaging campaign materials, including painted stones from school children. Several areas have completed construction of 20mph zones, with phase two involving wider, town-wide implementations currently underway. The process involves seeking support from county councillors before proceeding to public consultation. Schemes without member support, such as those in Potters Bar and Knebworth, will not progress. The panel heard that where there is majority member support, public consultation will occur, with schemes proceeding to delivery if 50% or more support is received. Consultations have recently concluded in Royston, Hitchin, and London Colney, with further consultations scheduled through to November. Councillor Matt Cowley raised concerns about digital exclusion and the council's efforts to bridge this gap, with officers explaining measures like sending letters and engaging people on the street. Councillor Michael Blessing questioned the fairness of the consultation literature, suggesting a more balanced presentation of pros and cons. Councillor Michelle asked about the confidence in the consultation process and the rationale for selecting certain areas, particularly Carpenters Park, where average speeds are already low. Officers explained the process for area selection, which includes mean speeds, the Place and Movement Planning Design Guide, and local member input. They also clarified that traffic calming is expensive and area-wide approaches are preferred for consistency, but high-risk areas may receive physical calming later.

Update on Corporate and Operational Performance

Tony, representing the Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Director of Resources, presented an update on corporate and operational performance, focusing on Highways Cabinet Panel's specific metrics: the number of Category 1 potholes and the percentage remediated within the service level agreement. The new quarterly performance report format was introduced. Councillor Matt Cowley, speaking for the opposition, emphasised the importance of accurate and transparent data for holding the administration to account and requested more detailed highways data, including Integrated Works Programme (IWP) delivery. Michelle also inquired about access to Power BI reports and the diversion of resources between IWP and pothole repairs. Chris Allen-Smith clarified that resources were primarily diverted from Category 2 works and some Ringway reachback resources for pothole peaks, but the IWP also flexed.

Starship Technologies Robot Delivery Trial

James Watson and Gary Beaumont presented an update on the proposed trial of autonomous delivery robots (ADRs) by Starship Technologies in Stevenage. The trial, facilitated through Hertfordshire's Living Lab initiative, aims to gather evidence on safety, operational performance, accessibility, public perception, and potential transport and environmental benefits. Starship Technologies will cover all costs, including liability. The council will retain oversight through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Discussions have occurred with Stevenage Borough Council and other UK authorities to share learning. Councillor Matt Cowley raised concerns about public awareness and the robots' ability to safely cross roads, which officers addressed by explaining the robots' autonomous capabilities and the plan for public engagement. Councillors Gemma Moore and Michael Blessing raised questions about liability, inter-authority learning, and potential vandalism. Officers confirmed that Starship would bear all liability and that lessons from other authorities were being incorporated into the MOU. They also noted that Starship has experience managing vandalism and that the council would liaise with the police regarding potential oversight. Councillor Michelle inquired about the MOU's robustness, and officers confirmed it would be strong but high-level to facilitate agreement. The potential for robots to assist with highway defect detection was also discussed.

Response to Council Motion - Budgets - Highways

Councillor Matt Cowley presented a motion to the council regarding highways funding, expressing concern over reported reductions in spending. Georgie Sheridan, Head of Finance, provided a detailed report explaining the budget movements, clarifying that the reduction was largely due to the planned cessation of one-off funding allocations, such as preventative maintenance and the highways contract mobilisation budget. Additional investment had been made in other areas. Councillor Cowley acknowledged the complexity of the budget figures and expressed gratitude for the detailed report, reiterating his concern about the overall reduction in spending. Councillor Stephen Giles-Medhurst, Executive Member for Highways, agreed with the need for clarity and explained the challenges in budget construction, particularly with the split portfolios. He confirmed that the £107m figure quoted in press releases included both Highways and Transport schemes. The report noted that while the highways budget had seen a reduction, the combined Highways and Transport budget had increased. The panel agreed to note the report.