Havering’s Speeding Hotspots: Which Roads Are Putting Lives at Risk?

Havering residents are increasingly alarmed by drivers racing through their streets—often at terrifying speeds. Recent studies and council reports have spotlighted a few particularly dangerous roads:

A key concern is Hacton Lane in Hornchurch, which sees around 1,400 vehicles an hour, with speeds regularly hitting 55 mph—nearly double the local 30 mph limit. Over the past five years, this stretch has witnessed 20 crashes, including one fatality and five serious injuries. Transport for London, in partnership with Havering Council, is now consulting on safety measures like speed tables, raised crossings, and redesigned junctions to slow traffic and protect pedestrians.

Similarly worrying is Mawney Road in Romford, where studies found over 1,100 vehicles pass per hour and speeds frequently reaching 50 mph on a 30 mph road. This route has seen 16 personal injury accidents, some involving pedestrians and occurring in poor conditions or at night. r

But it’s not just these local roads—Havering also holds the dubious honour of being the London borough with the fastest recorded speeding offence. A driver was caught at a staggering 144 mph, the highest speed noted between 2021 and February 2024.

Historically, the A12 through Harold Hill has been another notorious stretch. Four years ago, cameras recorded top speeds of up to 105 mph.

These extreme speeds haven’t gone unnoticed. The Met Police, working under Operation Road Challenge and Vision Zero, are deploying speed cameras, drones, and targeted enforcement to crack down on dangerous drivers and reduce collisions

What It Means for Havering

• Hacton Lane regularly sees drivers double the speed limit—resulting in serious and fatal accidents. Council-led traffic calming measures are underway.
• Mawney Road faces similar danger, with frequent high speeds and dangers to pedestrians prompting proposals for zebra crossings.
• The A12 and A13 arterial routes have recorded staggering top speeds—144 mph near Hornchurch and up to 124 mph in Wennington.
• Police and TfL enforcement is active through cameras and operations targeting the most dangerous offenders, supporting Vision Zero goals.

Bottom line: Havering drivers face serious risk—with certain roads seeing daily reckless speeds far above safe limits. While enforcement is increasing and improvements are being made, it’s clear that proactive steps—like more cameras, road design changes, and public awareness—are urgently needed to bring these speeding hotspots under control and protect everyone on the roads.

Stay up to date with all of our latest updates and content by following us on our social media accounts!

We have created community pages where we will share our up-to-date stories happening in the area. Add the area closest to where you live.