A decision was made to proceed with the Romford Road Active Travel Phase 2 (Section I) highway improvements, which will introduce new tree planting, sustainable urban drainage, separated cycle tracks, and enhanced pedestrian and cycle crossings between Dersingham Avenue and Fifth Avenue. This decision was made by Aled Richards, Corporate Director of Environment & Sustainable Transport, in consultation with Councillor James Asser, Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways and Sustainable Transport.

Romford Road Active Travel: Phase 2 (Section I)

The Corporate Director of Environment & Sustainable Transport, Aled Richards, has agreed to proceed with the implementation of highway measures along Romford Road between Dersingham Avenue and Fifth Avenue. This decision, made on 5th February 2024, is part of the Romford Road Active Travel Phase 2 (Section I) project, funded by the Levelling Up Fund (LUF). The scheme aims to improve sustainable transport connections, road safety, and the public realm along this key corridor.

The approved measures include the creation of stepped, separated cycle lanes, improvements to footways, and the installation of new blended crossings at side road junctions. Additionally, new trees and low-level planting will be introduced, alongside sustainable urban drainage (SuDS) systems. Parking and loading bays on Romford Road will be relocated to side roads, with a small net loss of three parking bays overall. The project also includes improvements to bus stop accessibility and infrastructure.

This initiative aligns with Newham Council's Corporate Priority 3, Your Neighbourhood, which specifically mentions Cycle infrastructure underway with improvements taking place on Romford Road. It also supports the Mayor's Manifesto commitment to expand cycling facilities and contributes to the Council's Air Quality Action Plan and its response to the Climate Emergency.

The decision follows extensive consultation, including early engagement with residents, businesses, and stakeholders, as well as a statutory consultation on the proposed Traffic Management Orders (TMOs) between June and July 2023. No objections were received during this formal consultation period. The project is funded by a £8.7 million allocation from the Levelling Up Fund, with the estimated works cost being approximately £945,250, to be covered by the LUF allocation for the 2023-24 financial year.

An Equality Impact Assessment (EqIA) for the proposal was completed and approved on 9th January 2024. It concluded that the proposals are expected to have a positive impact on people of different ages, disabilities, ethnic groups, those who are pregnant or on maternity/paternity leave, and those with different levels of health and well-being. The assessment noted neutral impacts on gender identity and sexual orientation, and no impact on those who are married or in a civil partnership, or people of different religious faiths or beliefs. The overall impact was rated as High, with no major changes identified as necessary due to the lack of potential for discrimination or adverse impact.

The decision was made by Aled Richards, Corporate Director of Environment & Sustainable Transport, in consultation with Councillor James Asser, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Environment and Sustainable Transport. The decision can be implemented from 20th February 2024, following the end of the call-in period.

Further details on the scheme, including the Traffic Management Orders and general arrangement plans, can be found in the Public reports pack.