A new £2.5 billion transport network linking Watford to Essex is vital but will come with "an element of pain" in the short-term, a council chief has warned.

Hertfordshire County Council has been drawing up plans for a new transport system - called the HERT - which would provide new links across the county.

The proposed 45km Hertfordshire to Essex Rapid Transit (HERT) stretching from Watford and Hemel Hempstead to Harlow in Essex is said to provide a "green, convenient, and affordable service" for travellers.

The complex project is expected to be years in the planning – and would need to secure government funding - but the council has taken the next step by putting the plan out to consultation.

We still don't know exactly what type of vehicle will be used if the HERT does become a reality although the council has released CGIs over the last few months of a tram-like vehicle.

Watford Observer: A CGI of what the HERT scheme could look like. Credit: Hertfordshire County Council A CGI of what the HERT scheme could look like. Credit: Hertfordshire County Council (Image: Hertfordshire County Council)

At a media briefing last week, it was mentioned the HERT would be "modern, comfortable and spacious" with zero emissions and fewer stops than a normal bus.

The exact route has yet to be confirmed either although we know the council wants West Watford, Hemel Hempstead, St Albans and towns in the east of the county to be served, broadly following the existing A414 dual carriageway, into Essex and potentially up to Stansted Airport.

The Watford to St Albans route could take into use the existing Abbey railway line.

Watford Observer: A map of where the HERT scheme could go. Credit: Hertfordshire County CouncilA map of where the HERT scheme could go. Credit: Hertfordshire County Council

The public consultation, which launched on November 18, is designed to gain feedback for the council on its vision for HERT.

County council leader Richard Roberts said: "Creating a cleaner, greener, healthier Hertfordshire is central to our plans for the future of the county.

"To deliver this vision for Hertfordshire, we must have the transport network to support it; an affordable, sustainable network that will help reduce our carbon footprint by encouraging people out of their cars and connect our communities like never before.

"To make our ambition a success, it first and foremost must meet the needs of the people of Hertfordshire, which is why I would encourage all residents to take part in the consultation to help shape the development of HERT."

Watford Observer: A CGI of what the HERT vehicle could look like. Credit: Hertfordshire County Council A CGI of what the HERT vehicle could look like. Credit: Hertfordshire County Council

Recognising Hertfordshire's already "significant" traffic congestion, the council's head of highways implementation and strategy, warned congestion will only get worse with more than 100,000 new homes planned across Hertfordshire over the next 15 years.

He said the route could mean existing roads are widened or reduced to incorporate the HERT which would create "an element of pain" for general traffic until the balance shifted more towards the HERT and the network started to "rebalance".

For more information about how to get involved in the HERT consultation and for details of online exhibition events visit www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/HERT