Opposition Liberal Democrats on Hertfordshire County Council have protested at a massive cut that the Conservatives voted through to highways schemes in the coming year (2021/22).
The ruling Conservatives have cut 61 road improvement schemes across Hertfordshire and reduced the budget for such schemes by £2m in the next year and each of the following three years – cutting £8m in total.
Originally the Conservatives had agreed to spend an extra £37m up to 2025. They have now reduced this by £8m to £29m – a cut of 22%.
County Councillor Stephen Giles-Medhurst, the Liberal Democrat Group Leader & Highways Spokesperson said:
“The Conservatives claim that our side roads have improved over recent years. There may have been some improvements but if so, it was from a very low base. For residents living on the roads that have now been cut and for others waiting for their roads to be considered, the situation is far from satisfactory.”
“Cancelling 61 planning schemes for the next year is a kick in the teeth – not just for motorists but also for cyclists. The impact that will be felt by cyclists is particularly disappointing given that the County should be encouraging residents to change to more sustainable forms of transport”
The Liberal Democrats proposed to restore this budget cut as well as increase spending on pavement repairs. These proposals were voted down.