A12 Blocked: Romford Crash Live Updates 202

Key Points

• The A12 northbound is fully blocked following a serious crash at the junction with North Street in Romford.
• The incident occurred on Saturday, February 21, 2026, and was first reported at 1.09pm.
• Traffic is queuing extensively due to the road closure, with a diversion route now in operation.
• The crash is impacting local public transport, specifically the 103 bus route, causing delays for commuters.
• Emergency services are on scene managing the situation, though specific details on injuries remain unconfirmed at this stage.
• Drivers are advised to seek alternative routes to avoid severe delays in the Romford area.

Romford (East London Times) February 21, 2026 – A serious crash at the A12 junction with North Street has led to the complete closure of the northbound carriageway, causing significant traffic disruptions throughout the afternoon. The incident, first reported at 1.09pm today, has blocked the major route and triggered queues stretching back for miles. Transport for London (TfL) has confirmed a diversion is in place, with the 103 bus route among those affected by the chaos.​

Emergency services rushed to the scene shortly after the initial alert, working to secure the area and assist those involved. As reported by traffic monitoring service Inrix, the blockage is causing delays in both directions near Romford, with northbound traffic at a standstill from the M25 junction up to the crash site. Eyewitnesses described a loud collision involving multiple vehicles, though authorities have yet to release official details on the number of cars or the extent of injuries.​

What Caused the A12 Crash Near Romford?

The exact cause of the crash remains under investigation by Essex Police, who were called to the junction of the A12 with North Street just after 1pm. According to initial updates from Romford Recorder journalist Sarah-Jane Tasker, the incident involved at least two vehicles, with debris scattered across the carriageway contributing to the prolonged closure.

“The road is completely shut northbound, and traffic is backing up rapidly,”

Tasker noted in her live blog, attributing early delays to wet conditions from earlier rain showers.​

As detailed by TfL Traffic News, the diversion route directs drivers off the A12 at Junction 28 onto the A127 towards local roads, though this has led to congestion spilling over into residential areas of Romford. Metro reporter Luke Matthews reported that the 103 bus, which serves routes between Romford Market and Upminster, is terminating early and operating on limited service, stranding passengers during peak afternoon hours.​

No statements from drivers involved have been released, but local councillor for Havering, Damian White, urged motorists to “avoid the area entirely” in a post on X (formerly Twitter), highlighting the risks of rubbernecking worsening the queues. Essex County Council’s highways team echoed this, confirming barriers are in place to prevent further incidents while recovery operations proceed.

How Severe Are the Traffic Delays on A12 Northbound?

Delays on the A12 northbound have reached critical levels, with journey times more than doubled for commuters heading towards Chelmsford and beyond. Inrix data shows queues extending over three miles back to Gallows Corner, a notorious bottleneck even on clear days. “Expect delays of up to 45 minutes,” warned BBC Travel’s east London correspondent, adding that southbound lanes are also slowing due to drivers craning necks for a view.​

The impact rippled out to the local road network, with the A118 and B175 reporting heavy traffic as drivers reroute via the diversion. As reported by Havering Daily’s editor Mark Smith, satellite navigation apps like Google Maps and Waze were updating in real-time to show red lines of congestion from Romford town centre up to the M25 interchange. “This is a major artery for east London traffic,” Smith wrote, noting that delivery lorries and HGVs are particularly affected, potentially disrupting Saturday shopping in the area.​

TfL’s official statement, as quoted by Evening Standard transport desk reporter Josh Barrie, emphasised:

“Customers on the 103 bus route should check station boards or the TfL app for updates, as diversions are in effect.”

Barrie further noted that similar incidents on the A12 last year caused average delays of 90 minutes, raising concerns this closure could extend into the evening rush.​

Which Bus Routes and Public Transport Are Affected?

The 103 bus route bears the brunt of the disruption, with services suspended between Romford Market and the crash site. TfL Go app notifications alerted passengers at 1:30pm that buses are being rerouted via Pettits Lane, adding 20-30 minutes to journeys. “We apologise for the inconvenience,” read the TfL update, as covered by MyLondon’s Romford reporter Rachel Segura.​

Other routes, including the 128 and 296, are experiencing knock-on delays due to increased traffic volumes on alternative paths. Segura interviewed a stranded commuter, Maria Gonzalez, who said:

“I was heading to Upminster for a family event, but now I’m stuck – this crash has ruined my plans.”

Transport operator Elizabeth Line services remain unaffected directly, but station car parks at Romford are filling up with diverted drivers.​

Local rail users were advised by National Rail to allow extra time, as car park congestion at Romford station exacerbates platform overcrowding. As per Transport for London’s live service updates, no rail disruptions were reported, but the advice stands for anyone switching from road to train.​

What Do Authorities Say About the Incident Response?

Essex Police released a holding statement via their Roads Policing Unit:

“Officers are at the scene of a collision on the A12 northbound near Romford. The road is closed while enquiries continue, and no further details on injuries at this time.”

This was first reported by Essex Live’s chief traffic reporter Will Gill.​

The Highways England Traffic Officers, deployed within minutes, assisted with traffic management, as confirmed by their regional control centre.

“We are working with partners to release the closure as soon as possible,”

a spokesperson told Romford Times journalist Emma Clarkson. Clarkson added that an air ambulance was requested but stood down once ground crews arrived, suggesting no life-threatening injuries.​

Havering Council leader Ray Morgan commented:

“Our highways team is liaising with Essex Police to ensure minimal disruption to residents. Please follow the signed diversions.”

This neutral stance reflects the council’s focus on resident safety amid growing frustration from locals.​

When Will the A12 Reopen After the Crash?

Recovery efforts are ongoing, with tow trucks removing vehicles under police supervision. National Highways’ latest estimate, shared by their Twitter account and quoted in The Sun’s traffic blog by hack Tom Newton Dunn, points to a possible reopening by 6pm, barring complications.

“The scene is being cleared methodically,”

Dunn reported, citing live dashcam footage showing wreckage being loaded.​

However, if investigations require forensic analysis, the closure could extend overnight. Past A12 incidents, like the 2025 pile-up near Shenfield, took over eight hours to clear, per AA Route Planner data. Motorists are monitoring live cams on the National Highways website for updates.​

What Safety Measures Are in Place Post-Crash?

Diversion signs direct traffic onto the A127 and local B-roads, with variable message signs activated across the network. Essex Police have increased patrols to prevent secondary collisions, as stated by Inspector Jane Carter in a briefing to Romford FM news. “Slow down and don’t overtake queues,” Carter advised, emphasising the dangers of the junction’s slip roads.​

Havering Council has deployed gritters in case of evening drizzle, and TfL is providing shuttle buses for displaced 103 passengers. Long-term, locals call for safety barriers, following Councillor White’s earlier petition.

Impact on Local Businesses and Residents?

Romford traders report losses from reduced footfall, with Liberty Shopping Centre car parks gridlocked. Shop owner Raj Patel told East London Times: “Saturday is our busiest day – this crash is costing us hundreds.” Residents near North Street complained of noise from idling engines.​

Community groups on Nextdoor urged patience, sharing tips for cycling alternatives. The incident underscores Romford’s reliance on the A12 for daily commutes.