Wait goes on over major cross-county transit link

A guided busway or tram are both being considered for the route

The publication of route details for a new transport network connecting two counties has been delayed.

Councillors want to set up the Hertfordshire Essex Rapid Transit (HERT) link, which would run between Hemel Hempstead and Harlow, with onward connections to Stansted Airport.

Route details were expected to be announced last summer, but Hertfordshire County Council said it was waiting on a computer modelling tool.

Leading councillor Stephen Giles-Medhurst has described it as a "very big strategic transport project".

The vehicles running on the route could be trams or guided busways.

Guided buses have a dedicated driver, but follow a track that steers them on a particular route.

The route would pass through Watford, St Albans and Broxbourne

Giles-Medhurst, the executive member for highways at the council, said the government would be approached for funding.

Hertfordshire County Council wants to improve connections for people travelling between east and west, such as through Watford, St Albans and Broxbourne

The initial proposal for the HERT was included in the county council's "A414 corridor strategy" in 2019, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

After a period of public consultation, officers were given the go-ahead to develop the proposals further.

Last year, Conservative former executive member for highways and transport, Phil Bibby, suggested the route was "in progress".

A spokesperson for Hertfordshire County Council said: "Improving both transport infrastructure and providing access to reliable and affordable public transport remains a priority and our work in this area continues for the benefit of residents, businesses and visitors to the county."

The local authority said it hoped to publish a proposed route later in 2025.