Rebecca Johnson, Corporate Director of Environment & Sustainable Transport, made a non-key decision regarding the construction of new pedestrian and cycling crossings and associated traffic management orders on Water Lane. The decision, taken on 21 January 2026, involved approving the advertising of proposed crossings and traffic management orders, and authorising the construction costs.

Water Lane Crossing Construction and Traffic Management Orders

The meeting confirmed the decision to proceed with the construction of new pedestrian and cycling crossings on Water Lane, specifically a zebra crossing north of Keogh Road E15 and a pedestrian and cycling crossing between Manbey Grove E15 and Louise Road E15. This decision, classified as a non-key decision with a financial value of £350,000, was made by Rebecca Johnson, Corporate Director of Environment & Sustainable Transport. The funding for these improvements comes from Transport for London (TfL) via the Cycling Network Development fund.

The proposals aim to enhance safety and encourage active travel, aligning with Newham Council's Corporate Plan 2022-2026, which prioritises a Healthier Newham and Ageing Well and addressing the climate emergency. Specifically, the scheme supports the council's commitment to reducing road danger and promoting walking and cycling, contributing to improved public health and environmental outcomes. The decision also supports the council's pledge to make residential roads quieter, safer and cleaner.

The need for these crossings was identified following consultations for the Manbey and Atherton Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs). Residents had requested improved safety and ease of crossing Water Lane, which is a shared boundary road between Manbey Grove and Louise Road. The proposed crossings are also strategically important for a planned TfL cycleway linking Stratford and Forest Gate.

Alternative options were considered and rejected. These included allowing single traffic movements out of each road, which was deemed to conflict with pedestrian areas, and the use of controlled signals, which would have required extensive investigation by TfL and significant delays. A do nothing approach was rejected due to the noted road danger risks, exacerbated by a fatal collision on Water Lane on 18 October 2024.

Extensive consultation was undertaken, with leaflets distributed in November 2023 and November 2024, alongside public events and online surveys. While there was strong support for the crossings, some residents raised concerns about potential difficulties for large vehicles entering the area for deliveries and the impact of road closures on traffic congestion. A traffic study conducted in February 2025 indicated that existing traffic flows on Louise Road and Keogh Road are low, and any diverted movements would remain within a low-traffic environment. Concerns about potential tailbacks and increased air pollution were also addressed, with officers noting that the introduction of an additional signalised crossing would be complex and require significant signal adjustments. Safety concerns regarding zebra crossings were also raised, with officers reiterating that drivers are legally required to stop at both signalised and zebra crossings. The proposed raised crossings will also act as traffic calming measures.

The decision to proceed involves approving the advertising of the public notice for the proposed crossings and the associated Traffic Management Orders (TMOs). Subject to no material objections, a subsequent notice of making will be advertised once works are complete. The construction cost of £350,000 was approved. The scheme is expected to improve road safety and has no anticipated adverse impacts on residents with protected characteristics. The legal basis for the decision is rooted in Sections 6, 23, 45, 46, 49, and 124 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, with a duty to ensure the expeditious, convenient, and safe movement of traffic, including pedestrians.