The Officer Key Decision meeting of Newham Council on Wednesday 5 August 2026 approved the Romford Road Public Realm Improvement Scheme at Junction 2, which involves significant upgrades to the junction of Romford Road, Woodgrange Road, and Upton Lane. This decision aims to enhance road safety, accessibility, and sustainable travel options for all road users.

Romford Road Public Realm Improvement Scheme: Junction 2 - Woodgrange Road and Upton Lane

The meeting approved the implementation of the Junction 2 Highways Improvement Scheme at the junction of Romford Road, Woodgrange Road, and Upton Lane. This decision, made by Rebecca Johnson, Corporate Director of Environment & Sustainable Transport, authorises the modernisation of traffic signals, the provision of segregated cycle facilities, and amendments to parking, waiting, and loading restrictions. The scheme is designed to improve road safety, accessibility, and sustainable travel.

The scheme is part of the wider Romford Road Public Realm Improvement scheme, which has received over £10 million in funding from sources including the Levelling Up Fund, Transport for London (TfL)'s Local Implementation Plan (LIP), and Newham Council capital allocations. For the 2026/27 financial year, £1.8 million was allocated from TfL LIP and £1.0 million from Newham Council capital funding. The estimated cost for Junction 2 is approximately £0.9 million, which will be covered by the secured funding.

The proposals align with established London-wide transport, safety, and environmental policies, including the Mayor's Transport Strategy (MTS) and Vision Zero, the Mayor of London's commitment to eliminating road deaths and serious injuries. Specifically, the scheme supports the MTS Healthy Streets Approach by aiming to reduce road danger, improve crossing opportunities, enhance public realm quality, and make streets more accessible. The delivery of segregated cycle tracks and improved pedestrian facilities also aligns with TfL's Cycling Action Plan and the London Cycling Design Standards (LCDS). Furthermore, the scheme is expected to contribute to London-wide air quality and climate objectives by encouraging a modal shift away from private car use and increasing active travel.

A statutory consultation on the Junction 2 proposals was conducted between 24 June and 15 July 2026, with notices displayed locally, letters sent to residents and businesses, and promotion through social media and the project website. A public drop-in event was also held at Forest Gate Library on 9 July 2026. A total of eight responses were received during the statutory consultation, all of which expressed support for the proposals, with no objections raised. Attendees welcomed the anticipated benefits for pedestrian safety, cycling provision, accessibility, and environmental improvements, noting that the existing junction was considered difficult or unsafe to navigate. Some suggestions were made regarding refinements to cycle arrangements, signage, and parking management, which will be considered during detailed design and implementation.

The decision to proceed with the scheme was made after considering the do nothing option, which was rejected due to the junction being a high-priority road safety location and inconsistent with the Council's Vision Zero commitments and TfL LIP commitments. Failure to deliver the scheme could also lead to the withdrawal of TfL funding and damage the Council's reputation.

The scheme involves several specific changes, including the introduction of new loading bays operating Monday to Saturday, 7am to 7pm, with a maximum stay of 30 minutes and no return within one hour, at various locations along Romford Road and Post Office Approach. Additionally, 'at any time' waiting and loading restrictions will be introduced or extended on Romford Road and Sprowston Road. The proposals also include the conversion of footway and carriageway space into segregated cycle tracks on Romford Road, Woodgrange Road, and Upton Lane, designed to link with existing and new cycle networks and avoid fast-moving traffic. A Copenhagen-style blended raised crossing is proposed in Sprowston Road at its junction with Romford Road, and a pedestrian crossing on a raised table will be installed outside Nos. 313-315 Romford Road. Mini pedestrian (zebra) crossings are also approved at Romford Road at the junctions with Woodgrange Road and Upton Lane, along with upgraded signalised parallel pedestrian and pedal cycle crossings at these same junctions.

The decision was approved by Rebecca Johnson, Corporate Director of Environment & Sustainable Transport, following the close of statutory consultation and with no objections received. The necessary Traffic Management Orders (TMOs) will be made as advertised. The scheme is being delivered through the Council's Highways Works Contract 2026, with Marlborough Highways Ltd appointed to undertake the works. An Equality Impact Assessment completed on 20 July 2026 found that out of 11 assessed impacts on protected characteristics, 7 were positive, 3 neutral, and 1 had no impact.

The decision was made under the authority of the Corporate Director of Environment & Sustainable Transport, as a key decision with an estimated total value up to £1M. The decision is effective from the sixth working day following its publication.