Havering Council sets out concerns on possible delays to Gallows Corner improvements

In the letter, Councillor Barry Mugglestone, Cabinet Member for Environment, said that while we fully appreciate the importance of infrastructure improvements, and the key role Gallows Corner plays in the region, there were concerns that works may run over.

He also asked that there was a further commitment from TfL to offset any additional costs incurred by the borough because of the closure and to address the disruption experienced by our residents and businesses.

He said:
“We are extremely concerned if these works run over and we are seeking reassurance from them on this.

"If they do run over, then we need to ensure that any additional costs are covered for the Council, residents and businesses.

“The disruption these works have caused has been considerable throughout the summer months and we anticipate this will be further exacerbated with the return of schools and increased traffic volumes.

"The impact on local businesses, public transport, and council services is growing. We have received a high volume of casework and this continues.

"Compounding these issues has been a limited number of public updates from TfL since the works began.” 

The Cabinet member went on to say that despite these challenges, Havering remains committed to working collaboratively with Transport for London.  

The Council has supported the project in numerous ways, including proactive engagement with the project team, facilitating communications, resolving complaints, coordinating and pushing for optimisation of traffic management, supporting technical officers, and providing local information to help mitigate disruption.

There was also concern about the enforcement of the bus lane to stop unauthorised use and many residents have contacted the Council to say that they have seen people ignore that it is closed and that the camera enforcement looks to be unreliable and ineffective. 

These works have also meant that the Council has had to delay its own road improvements in the borough and the concern is the knock on effect of these on the wider borough especially if there is a delay.

As part of this the Councillor asked for support to help mitigate the sensitivities associated with any possible overrun by bringing forward wider transport enhancements in the borough.

This would show a shared commitment to improving infrastructure and public confidence. 

The Cabinet member went on to say: 

“This administration has strongly lobbied for improvements to public transport in the borough, particularly in the north-south direction, and we remain committed to working with TfL to secure these.  

"We are also working very closely with GLA colleges on pushing for a new station at Beam Park.

"We responded to Superloop2 consultation favourably and look forward to the new route being confirmed. 

“We strongly support initiatives to provide residents real options for active and sustainable travel, where it is viable not to use the car and to improve road safety for all.

"With this in mind, improvements in the area to complement the Gallows Corner works as well as meet the above aspirations include:

• Schemes to address severance between communities created by the A12 and A127, including review of speed limits  
• Commitment to incorporate Main Road Signalised Pedestrian Crossing within Gallows Corner works
• Shared foot and cycleway on the A127 – this would involve designation of the existing footway on the A127 including a connection to National Cycle Route 136 at Hall Lane 
• Traffic calming, traffic management and road safety funding for Health Drive 
• Confirmation of step free access at Hornchurch Station to progress feasibility work
• Continued financial support for Havering Cycle Network Development schemes through to implementation including Havering’s Quietways programme and Main Road Cycle Track.  

“I and the Leader would welcome a meeting with TfL’s officers and Council officers at the earliest opportunity to develop and commit to the above essential improvements.”

In addition to this, the Council has invited the Commissioner Andy Lord to meet with the Leader of the Council, Cllr Ray Morgon.