Key Points
- Police cordoned off Havering Road in Collier Row following another road incident this afternoon.
- Recent accidents along the bend of Havering Road have led to growing concerns over road safety in the area.
- The London Borough of Havering has implemented and proposed a series of collision reduction and road safety measures in response to repeated accidents.
- Public consultation on the proposed safety scheme has elicited mixed responses, with some residents supporting measures and others calling for further action.
- Local authorities and Metropolitan Police have both endorsed the importance of improving road safety, with official backing for the planned changes.
- Emergency services responded swiftly to the latest incident, ensuring the area was secure until the situation was resolved.
- Ongoing discussions regarding improvement to pedestrian crossings, better lighting, and speed reduction measures continue to be a focus for local policymakers.
- Funding for road safety improvements has been allocated through the Transport for London Local Implementation Plan.
- The Havering Joint Task Force and neighbourhood policing teams continue to monitor and act against dangerous driving and related offences in Collier Row.
- Local councillors and the borough’s Cabinet Members remain actively involved in reviewing traffic and collision data to identify further actions.
Police have closed off Havering Road in Collier Row after another road incident today, intensifying concerns among local residents and authorities about road safety on this notorious stretch. The closure, which follows a series of collisions in recent years, has prompted an urgent review of traffic calming and safety measures as authorities seek to address public alarm and implement lasting solutions.
Why Did Police Block Havering Road in Collier Row?
As reported by the editorial team at The Havering Daily, police responded rapidly to yet another car accident on Havering Road, Collier Row, leading to the immediate closure of the affected section of the roadway during the afternoon. The incident, which occurred along a well-known bend, marks the latest in a succession of crashes that have plagued this stretch, raising fresh questions over motorist safety and the adequacy of current road layouts and speed restrictions.
Metropolitan Police officers were seen setting up barriers and cordons, redirecting traffic and advising local residents while investigations and clear-up operations were conducted.
What Is the Current Safety Record on Havering Road?
According to detailed collision analysis by Velup Siva, Senior Engineer for the London Borough of Havering, and published in the Council’s Collision Reduction Scheme report, the five-year period ending 30 June 2022 saw 30 recorded personal injury accidents along Havering Road from Kiln Wood Lane to Collier Row Lane. Of these, one was fatal, six were classified as serious, and twelve occurred during night hours. Multiple collisions involved pedestrians or were attributed to excessive vehicle speeds.
The report provides a breakdown:
- Havering Road between Kiln Wood Lane and Lower Bedfords Road: 3 personal injury collisions, including pedestrian involvement and speed as a contributing factor.
- Havering Road by Tweed Green: 11 collisions, two involving pedestrians and two attributed to speeding.
- Heather Avenue to Saffron Road stretch: three serious-night time crashes on a bend.
These alarming statistics have driven both investigative efforts and policy changes at the borough level.
What Measures Are Authorities Implementing to Improve Road Safety?
As outlined in council documentation authoritatively compiled by Velup Siva and reviewed by Councillor Barry Mugglestone, the London Borough of Havering has prioritised the following measures:
- Replacement of the existing pelican crossing with a raised variant near Bower Park School.
- A comprehensive review and potential upgrades to street lighting.
- Installation of vehicle-activated 30mph signs near high-risk junctions.
- Central hatch markings to visually narrow the carriageway, discouraging excessive speed.
- Consideration for further pedestrian crossing points and traffic islands where local demand is high.
The proposals are informed by accident analysis and speed surveys which consistently show vehicle speeds exceeding the posted limits.
Funding for these interventions will come via the 2023/24 Transport for London Local Implementation Plan, as confirmed in the same council report.
How Did the Local Community React to the Proposed Safety Changes?
The public consultation process, summarised in the borough’s formal consultation report, involved the delivery of 550 letters to residents and businesses in the affected area and direct engagement with emergency and transport services.
Key findings from the consultation include:
- 50% of respondents supported the safety scheme as presented.
- 10% voiced direct opposition.
- 75% of those surveyed advocated for additional or alternative measures beyond those initially proposed, such as speed cameras, more pedestrian crossings, and greater use of speed tables.
The consultation reflects a community deeply invested in the safety and accessibility of its main residential roadways.
How Have Police and Councillors Responded to Residents’ Safety Fears?
According to statements documented in the Council’s official review, officers from both the Metropolitan Police and the Fire Brigade expressed clear support for the initiative, welcoming measures that aim to lower travel speeds and reduce accident frequency. Two local councillors also gave their backing to the scheme, while several requested ongoing engagement and consideration of supplementary strategies.
The consensus among law enforcement and borough representatives is that while the proposed improvements are a significant step forward, continued vigilance and community feedback will be essential to deliver genuine long-term road safety.
What Broader Changes Are Planned for Collier Row and Surrounding Roads?
Reporting jointly from The Havering Daily and corroborated by council publications, the incident on Havering Road is not isolated. Authorities have announced interconnected strategies for the wider Collier Row area, including the Collier Row Roundabout at Clockhouse Lane and Chase Cross Road.
Among the improvements for busy intersections and roundabouts are:
- Upgrading and relining pedestrian crossings, including tactile paving for visually impaired users.
- Enhanced signage and illuminated crossing beacons.
- Lane markings to guide and slow vehicles as they approach roundabouts.
The plan integrates public feedback, local councillors’ input, and the requirements of emergency services.
What Other Incidents Have Heightened Road Safety Concerns in Collier Row?
Further analysis by The Havering Daily notes a spate of criminal and anti-social behaviour incidents in the area, prompting increased police presence and enforcement. This includes:
- Arrests for dangerous driving following vehicle pursuits by the Havering Joint Task Force.
- Community campaigns for more effective traffic calming, especially in the context of new residential developments and increased local footfall.
- Reports of vehicle fires and other safety-related emergencies within proximity to the main roads.
Such incidents add to the urgency for rapid and sustained improvements in infrastructure and enforcement.
Has There Been Any Official Statement from Borough Leaders or Police?
As stated in borough council documents, Councillor Barry Mugglestone and Director of Environment Imran Kazalbash have reaffirmed their commitment to road safety and transparent consultation with residents. The Metropolitan Police, while not issuing a direct public soundbite in the aftermath of the latest accident, have been cited as supportive collaborators in the scheme’s planning and implementation phases.
Are Further Closures or Disruptions Expected on Havering Road?
For the duration of roadwork planning and any emergency responses, further closures and diversions on Havering Road and immediately connecting routes should be anticipated. The London Borough of Havering maintains that all confirmed road works and closures will be posted both on the official council website and via local information channels.
Drivers are urged to follow diversion signs and respect temporary speed limits and cordons for their own safety and that of road workers and emergency services personnel.
What Do Authorities Advise Motorists and Residents?
Official advice to the public, as compiled from council communications and local news reports, is as follows:
- Remain alert to updates on road closures and diversions through official sources and local media.
- Engage proactively in upcoming public consultations to voice ongoing concerns or suggestions for further safety improvements.
- Report dangerous driving and support the borough’s wider accident reduction schemes.
- Exercise heightened caution, especially at bends, junctions, and pedestrian crossings.
With many residents using Havering Road for school runs, public transport, and local commerce, the council underscores the critical importance of both driver discipline and infrastructure improvements in making streets safer for all.
What Are the Next Steps for Improving Road Safety in Collier Row?
According to the most recent council reports, further rounds of consultation and engineering review will follow implementation of phase one improvements. The Transport for London Local Implementation Plan ensures that funding and oversight are in place for the duration of the project. Borough leaders have pledged regular progress updates and open dialogue with residents, business owners, and school communities as the programme unfolds.
In conclusion, the closure of Havering Road following the latest traffic incident is both a symptom and a catalyst of broader road safety reform in Collier Row. Through partnership between local government, law enforcement, and the community at large, there is hope that recent tragedies can spur meaningful change on the borough’s roads.
