As part of a massive technology overhaul, travellers will be able to find out what time their bus is due before leaving home for the stop.

At the same time the system that runs the county's traffic lights will be replaced with a system that can prioritise certain vehicles like buses or emergency vehicles.

The technology – known as Intelligent Transport Systems - is so advanced it can measure air quality and divert traffic to different areas if necessary.

Accidents and congestion can be monitored with drivers alerted and steps taken to minimise disruption.

This year more than £700,000 has been set aside by Herts County Council to help pay for the various systems involved.

The council will also investigate the possibility of a traffic control centre, which would monitor the transport network, distribute information and act to reduce hold-ups.

Travellers could pick up information on intelligent roadsigns, via the internet and mobiles devices including satnav.

A report to the county council's highways and transport cabinet panel, which backed the scheme, said: "Modern urban traffic management and control systems reduce congestion by increasing junction capacity and coordinating traffic lights over a wide area to keep traffic moving.

"(The system] can also prioritise particular types of vehicles and for example allow emergency vehicles to reach their destination quickly and safely or help late-running buses make up time.

"(The system] can help improve access by making the road and passenger transport systems easier to use, informing people about the best way of making their journey and by providing more reliable journey times."

Pending a final decision by the cabinet member for highways, transport and rural affairs, work is expected to begin on the new system next year.