Demands for action have been issued over the delay in reopening the Gallows Corner junction in Romford, prompting residents to call on Transport for London (TfL) to take ‘accountability’ for the nine-month delay in reopening the busy junction.
The roundabout was initially closed in June 2025 and was expected to open in September. TfL now hope to reopen it later this month.
Works on the roundabout have been causing traffic chaos across Romford and affecting local businesses, prompting residents to launch a petition calling on TfL to take ‘accountability’ for the disruption.
The petition reads:
“For over six months, this closure has caused severe disruption, including constant traffic congestion, major public transport delays, increased air and noise pollution, and serious road safety concerns. Children sitting exams are being directly affected by unreliable journey times, and emergency services are struggling to navigate heavily congested roads.
“Areas such as Ardleigh Green and surrounding streets have been particularly impacted, with potholes worsening and causing damage to vehicles and tyres. The inability of traffic to flow has also led to prolonged exposure to vehicle fumes, raising significant health concerns – especially for children near schools.”
The petition also says residents have reported increasingly dangerous driving behaviour, including vehicles diverting through residential roads and misusing junctions due to frustration. Locals are worried that a ‘serious accident is inevitable’ if no action is taken.
The petition is calling for a firm completion deadline of April 30 2026, backed by ‘accountability’, full transparency on delays and remaining works and immediate traffic and safety improvements. It also asks for road repairs in affected areas and consideration of council tax refunds for affected residents.
Stuart Harvey, TfL’s Chief Capital Officer, said:
“We’re very sorry for the disruption caused by this essential work at Gallows Corner. We understand the impact this has had on people in the area and have worked with everyone involved to ensure that the work is carried out with the least amount of additional disruption.”
(Picture: TfL)
