Councillor Criticises Havering Council’s Decision To Keep Issuing Yellow Box Fines Near Gallows Corner Despite Building Works.

A Romford and Hornchurch Councillor and Candidate have criticised Havering Council’s decision to continue to issue yellow box Junction fines near Gallows Corner during the building works to replace the flyover.

During Members’ Questions at the Full Council Meeting on Wednesday 23 July, Councillor Judith Holt, Conservative Councillor for St. Alban’s Ward, asked Cabinet Member for Environment Councillor Barry Mugglestone whether the Administration were pausing enforcement at yellow box junctions within the area for traffic diversions. These include Squirrels Heath Lane / Ardleigh Green Road in Ardleigh Green, Upper Brentwood Road / Main Road in Gidea Park and Collier Row Lane and Havering Road in Collier Row. Disappointingly, she was told they are not.

 “I pointed out that the original data on which the installation of the yellow boxes was based is now by virtue of the diversions and extra traffic invalid, but it made no difference, ” explained Councillor Holt. “I argued there ought to be some leeway shown, as the extra traffic and unfamiliarity with the route may cause drivers to miss or enter the boxes without realising.”

Martin Firmstone, the Conservative Candidate for St. Alban’s Ward, added, “I was at the Full Council Meeting and I was shocked. I feel this is mean-spirited of Havering Council when residents are already having to cope with the closure of Gallows Corner and diversions on to unfamiliar roads, like Victoria Road near where I live. The Cabinet Member said the decision to continue to issue yellow box fines was taken on the advice of TFL but this is something the local council should have been firm about. They ought to be making things easier for residents and businesses at this time, not more difficult.”

The works at Gallows Corner are due to be completed in September.

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