The Director of Highways, Parking and Transportation, Dhiresh Bhatt, decided to overrule objections to the proposed 24-hour bus lane on Romford Road, Section F, and to proceed with the implementation of highway measures. This decision will enable improvements to road safety, air quality, and sustainable transport alternatives along this key corridor.

Romford Road Public Realm Improvement Scheme

Dhiresh Bhatt, Director of Highways, Parking and Transportation, approved the overruling of objections to the proposed 24-hour bus lane operation on Romford Road, Section F, between Katherine Road and Shrewsbury Road. This decision allows for the making of necessary Traffic Management Orders and the commencement of enabling works for the south-west segment of the scheme. The Romford Road Public Realm Improvement Scheme, which has received over £10 million in funding from sources including the Levelling Up Fund and Transport for London (TfL), aims to enhance road safety, air quality, and sustainable transport options.

The decision to overrule objections was made after careful consideration of 32 correspondences and a petition received during the statutory consultation period. The majority of these objections (28) were against the proposed 24-hour bus lane, citing concerns about increased congestion, air quality, loss of parking, and impacts on local businesses and accessibility for elderly and disabled users.

Officers concluded that the benefits of the proposal outweigh the objections. Independent traffic modelling by AECOM, audited by TfL, indicated that while some localised delays might occur, the overall impact on the road network would be minimal, with significant improvements expected for bus journey times and reliability. Concerns about air quality were addressed by the modelling, which did not predict a material worsening of traffic conditions.

The report highlighted that bus services are crucial for Newham residents, particularly for those on lower incomes, older people, and disabled individuals. Improvements to bus reliability are expected to enhance accessibility to employment, healthcare, and social opportunities. The scheme also includes segregated cycle lanes, improved pedestrian crossings, and enhanced public realm, aligning with the Mayor's Transport Strategy¹ and Vision Zero² commitments.

While some objections related to parking and loading, officers engaged with TfL to ensure that necessary loading and servicing opportunities would be retained where practicable. Evidence from comparable schemes suggests that such public realm improvements can positively impact local economic vitality by increasing footfall and improving the attractiveness of town centres.

The decision to implement the 24-hour bus lane is supported by TfL's requirements for bus priority and aligns with the council's Active and Sustainable Transport Strategy. Alternative options, such as retaining existing bus lane hours or extending them without full 24-hour operation, were considered and rejected as less effective in meeting the scheme's objectives. The estimated cost for the Section F south-west segment works is £0.910 million, with funding secured from TfL and the council's Active Sustainable Transport budget.