The Highways Cabinet Panel met on Monday 13 July 2026 to discuss a range of highway maintenance and traffic management issues. Key discussions included the findings of a trial into alternative approaches to fixing potholes, with a note that Roadmender is effective for Category 2 repairs and will be considered for standard use, and the draft Speed Management Strategy, which will proceed to public consultation. The panel also received updates on the 20mph programme, concrete roads maintenance, and the trial of autonomous delivery robots in Stevenage.

Trial of Alternative Approaches to Fixing Potholes

The panel noted the findings of a trial into alternative approaches to fixing potholes. The trial concluded that Roadmender is an effective and durable method for Category 2 repairs, particularly when dealing with larger or adjacent defects. Roadmaster, a spray injection patching machine, showed high productivity and low unit costs but was less suitable for urban areas due to its coarse finish and early durability issues. The council will embed Roadmender into its standard road maintenance toolkit and continue to consider Roadmaster for specific applications, primarily in rural locations.

Executive Member Verbal Update on Pothole Repairs and Weather Conditions

Councillor Stephen Giles-Medhurst OBE, Executive Member for Highways, provided a verbal update on pothole repairs. He reported a significant increase in Category 1 pothole repairs in the first six months of the year, with 19,197.5 work units completed, a 54% increase on the previous year. This surge was attributed to the exceptionally wet weather in January and February, followed by freezing night conditions. Despite the high volume, 98.69% of Category 1 potholes were fixed within the required timeframes. The panel also heard about the use of gritters during hot weather to address softening asphalt surfaces, a measure taken to ensure road safety.

Concrete Roads Programme 2026/27

The panel received an information note on the planned programme for maintaining concrete roads in 2026/27. These roads, often found on post-war housing estates, require a different maintenance approach due to the behaviour of concrete slabs and the thin asphalt layers often applied over them. The programme will focus on locations where planned maintenance can offer the greatest benefit, using a right treatment, right place approach, which may include micro-surfacing, resurfacing, patching, Roadmender, or joint repairs. The specific list of roads and treatments is still being developed.

Hertfordshire's Speed Management Strategy

The panel was presented with the draft new Speed Management Strategy (SMS), which aims to update the 2020 strategy. The new strategy focuses on setting speed limits that are safe and appropriate for the function of the road, rather than solely relying on mean speeds. It adopts a Safe System approach, emphasising survivable speeds and aligning limits with the Place & Movement planning design guide. The strategy will be subject to a six-week public consultation before being presented to Cabinet. Councillors raised points about the optionality of 20mph limits on certain road types and the process of public consultation.

Hertfordshire's 20mph Programme Delivery Update

An update was provided on the delivery of the 20mph programme. The council is trialling a revised approach focusing on wider areas with fewer physical measures, alongside a revised local decision-making process involving county councillors. Several schemes have been cancelled due to a lack of local member support, while others are proceeding to public consultation. A comprehensive communication campaign is underway to raise awareness and encourage compliance. The panel discussed concerns about digital exclusion in consultations and the fairness of campaign materials.

Update on Corporate and Operational Performance

The panel reviewed the Quarter 4 performance report, focusing on Strategic Business-as-Usual metrics for the Highways Portfolio. Key indicators discussed included the number of Category 1 potholes repaired and the percentage remediated within service level agreements. The report highlighted the significant increase in potholes due to weather conditions and the high performance in meeting repair timeframes. The panel also discussed the quality and transparency of data provided to councillors and the potential for additional performance indicators.

Starship Technologies Robot Delivery Trial

The panel noted the opportunity to support a trial of Autonomous Delivery Robots (ADRs) operated by Starship Technologies, initially in Stevenage. The trial, which is cost-neutral to the council, aims to gather evidence on safety, operational performance, public perception, and potential benefits such as reduced car trips and improved accessibility. The council will have oversight through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Starship, with the right to pause or terminate the trial if necessary. Concerns were raised regarding public awareness, robot navigation, potential vandalism, and the need for clear communication and reporting channels.

Response to Council Motion - Budgets - Highways

The panel considered a motion from Councillors Matt Cowley and Vishal Patel regarding highways budgets. The report provided a detailed breakdown of highways maintenance capital and revenue budgets, explaining movements between financial years and clarifying figures often quoted in press releases. It was noted that while the total highways budget has seen a slight reduction, the combined highways and transport spending is higher than the previous year. The report also addressed the cabinet member's letter to the government regarding the need for more funding, explaining the timing and context of this communication. The panel was invited to note the response to the motion and the report.