A transport proposal has been unveiled which could see western parts of Hertfordshire linked up with other areas in the county as well as Essex.

The Hertfordshire-Essex Rapid Transit system would comprise of an east to west transport corridor that runs from West Watford and Hemel Hempstead to just south of St Albans before linking to Harlow in Essex and onwards to Stansted Airport.

Hertfordshire County Council says the scheme aims to connect people to where they live, work, study and visit across both counties in a more environmentally-friendly way, while supporting the local economy.

Over the next 15 years, Hertfordshire is planning for more than 100,000 new jobs and more than 100,000 new homes to meet local needs.

As a result, there will inevitably be an increased demand on schools, health and social care and the already congested road and rail network.

The mass rapid transit system - the first of its kind in Hertfordshire - would be able to carry passengers in much bigger numbers than a typical private car and the council says it will provide greater convenience, reliability and frequency than a traditional bus service.

One of the key features of the project, which has been mooted since 2019 but is now making further progress and would form part of the A414 Corridor Strategy, would be the development of transport hubs, connecting planned cycling and walking routes to the rapid transport network.

Currently, no decisions have been made yet on the exact route of the system, the type of vehicle or the stations the scheme would serve.

Richard Roberts, leader of Hertfordshire County Council and chairman of the Hertfordshire Growth Board, said: "Sustainable travel is one of the most important aspects of our plans to create a cleaner, greener Hertfordshire, and investment in this new transport initiative to connect West Hertfordshire to West Essex marks a clear step forward in achieving our aims.

"The new public transport system will provide a fast, reliable and convenient way to travel across the county, and support our ambitions to enable all residents to live healthy, fulfilling lives in thriving, prosperous communities."

The council says it is now moving forward and exploring the options, with the aim of submitting a strategic outline business case for the Hertfordshire section of the scheme to the Department for Transport in Spring 2022.

The council believes it could take "several years" to achieve the funding and approval it needs to make the mass rapid transit system a reality.

A series of public engagements will be taking place this autumn. Find out more at www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/HERT