In a delegated Officer Key Decision, Newham Council has approved the Romford Road Public Realm Improvement Scheme focusing on Junction 3, which includes the junction of Romford Road with Green Street and Richmond Road. This decision allows the council to proceed with advertising the necessary Traffic Management Orders (TMOs) and implement the proposed highway measures.

Romford Road Public Realm Improvement Scheme: Junction 3

The Acting Corporate Director of Environment & Sustainable Transport approved the implementation of the Junction 3 highways measures, which include the junction of Romford Road with Richmond Road and Green Street, and Richmond Road between Windsor Road and Romford Road. The decision is subject to consideration of any material objections received during the statutory consultation period.

The approved measures include:

• Relocation of existing access restrictions on Richmond Road from the junction with Windsor Road to the junction with Romford Road
• Improved pavements for accessibility
• New trees and planting
• Safer waiting, loading, and unloading restrictions
• Improved traffic signals
• Separated cycle tracks
• Give way priority at Richmond Road junction with Windsor Road to replace existing access restriction
• Changes to parking restrictions

The council rejected a do nothing approach because it conflicted with the Mayor's manifesto and the objectives of the Transport for London (TfL) Local Implementation Plan (LIP) application. They also rejected an option to retain the existing access restriction on Richmond Road because it did not significantly reduce collisions.

The council conducted a community engagement exercise between 26 February and 24 March 2024, to gauge support for the scheme's objectives and gather feedback on design proposals. According to the Public Reports Pack, 68% of respondents felt that the proposed changes were 'important'.

Additionally, officers conducted a door-knocking exercise on Richmond Road on 17 June 2025, to discuss proposed changes to the existing road closure on Richmond Road. An early engagement via the Co-create scheme webpage was also open between 12th and 30th June 2025.

Ward councillors, TfL, emergency services, Newham Cyclists, residents, and businesses were consulted throughout the development of the scheme.

Financial Implications

The council has secured £1.2 million in funding through the TfL LIP for the Romford Road Public Realm Improvement scheme. Additional grant funding from TfL has been provisionally agreed and is expected to be around £0.4 million. The minutes of the meeting state that the LBN Active and Sustainable Travel Capital has allocated £1.0 million for the scheme. The total estimated cost for advertising the TMOs¹, design fees, and implementation of Junction 3 is approximately £955,000.

Legal Implications

The council's power to regulate traffic is derived from the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (RTRA 1984). The council must follow the procedures outlined in the Local Authorities Traffic Orders (Procedure) (England & Wales) Regulations 1996 and the Traffic Signs Regulations & General Directions 2016. The council also has a duty under Section 122 RTRA 1984 to ensure the safe and expeditious movement of traffic and the provision of adequate parking facilities.

Equalities Implications

An Equality Impact Assessment was completed on 3 July 2025. According to the Public Reports Pack, out of the 11 assessed impacts on protected characteristics, 6 were rated as positive, 3 as neutral, and 2 were found to have no impact.