Policy information sourced from the Havering Local Plan

23 Transport Connections

The Council will support and encourage developments in Havering in the locations that are most accessible by a range of transport options.

The Council supports development which ensures safe and efficient use of the highway and demonstrates that adverse impacts on the transport network are avoided or, where necessary, mitigated. Major planning applications will require a transport assessment in line with TfL’s Transport Assessment Best Practice Guidance.

When bringing forward a planning application full Travel Plans or Travel Plan Statements will be required for development reaching certain thresholds as set out in Transport for London’s (TfL) latest Guidance on Travel Plan requirements.

The Council will work with its partners, including developers, the Mayor of London and central government to improve transport infrastructure and the connectivity of the borough by:

  • Maximising the development opportunities supported by Crossrail as well as the benefits for local businesses and residents;
  • Lobbying for an increased train frequency and greater capacity on the Essex Thameside (C2C) line serving Rainham, Upminster and the proposed Beam Park stations;
  • Lobbying for peak time ‘fast’ services serving Romford Station;
  • Progressing improved north to south public transport connections in the borough, improving access to the Romford and Rainham and Beam Park Strategic Development Areas and Queens Hospital
  • Improving bus connections to/from key trip generators such as Queens Hospital;
  • Enhancing strategic transport links across the borough;
  • Improving road safety in the borough, especially in the vicinity of schools and KSI “hotspots”;
  • Providing residents with options to travel sustainably and enabling walking and cycling
  • Working with partners to provide sustainable access to key employment areas across the borough including Rainham Employment Area and Queens Hospital;
  • Requiring new development to optimise sustainable access and other future transport connections, wherever applicable;
  • Tackling key congestion “hotspots” through remodelling of Gallows Corner and Romford Ring Road to improve motor vehicle traffic flow and improve air quality;
  • Promoting the benefits of active travel to schools, local businesses and developers and supporting the development, delivery and monitoring of school, residential and workplace travel plans;
  • Ensuring good sustainable access between new developments and public transport interchanges in the borough to promote active travel;
  • Supporting new developments that include shared use routes for people walking and cycling which lead to public open spaces and parks to promote active recreational activities;
  • Taking an active role in the A127 Corridor for Growth project through cross borough engagement with Essex County Council and seeking improvements to the A127 that will facilitate growth along this corridor; and
  • Working with neighbouring authorities to better co-ordinate highway works.
  • Working with partners including the port of London Authority to explore opportunities for utilising the River Thames for freight and passenger transport to reduce traffic congestion and support local businesses.

The Council will work positively with those who share its ambition to deliver these key transport infrastructure improvements and will support development proposals that are able to contribute to their delivery.

For more information please see the Havering Local Plan