Statement from Andrew Rosindell M.P. on the news that Gallows Corner will be revamped with Government support:
The news just announced that at last, a new plan to revamp the Gallows Corner flyover junction, is welcome.
For over thirty years, as both a Havering Councillor and M.P. for Romford, I have been a tireless advocate for the improvement of Gallows Corner, fighting to secure funding and action by the Government, Mayor of London and Transport for London.
Only recently, I raised the issue again in House of Commons during Questions to the Secretary of State for Transport.
Whilst the plans that are now being proposed do not represent the far-reaching change that I had argued for, where the whole layout of the Gallows Corner junction would be , reconstructed, with a new under pass similar to that which has been built on the A406 North Circular, this proposal will be an improvement, albiet many years overdue.
I would like to thank all elected representatives that has worked so hard and campaigned for the improvements that are now going ahead, including previous local Members of Parliament for Romford, Hornchurch and Upminster of all political parties, as well as our two Greater London Assembly Members since 2000, Roger Evans and Keith Prince, various Leaders of Havering Council and also some local councillors, most especially Cllr. Ray Best, who made this his personal mission to achieve a new and better layout for the Gallows Corner junction.
Despite our collective efforts, lobbying every Secretary of State for Transport and every London Mayor, it is very disappointing that the recent announcement falls short of the comprehensive restructuring I have long campaigned for. The proposed refurbishment of the flyover is a step forward, but it doesn't address the fundamental issues of congestion and safety that have plagued this dangerous junction for decades. It is a sticking plaster solution, not a long-term plan for something permanent and better.
The lack of far-reaching investment in the A12/A127 junction contrasts starkly with the attention given to other major roads like the North Circular. Our community deserves equitable treatment when it comes to infrastructure investment, yet it seems we've been left wanting once again. Our situation in being caught between the Greater London Authority one side and Essex County Council on the other, never serves us well!
As Member of Parliament for Romford, I will continue to push for the comprehensive overhaul that Gallows Corner desperately needs. We cannot afford to settle for half-measures when the safety and well-being of local people and those passing through our borough to and from Essex and London, are at stake .
