A group of councillors have called for an easing of a weight limit on a Romford bridge – despite experts warning that it isn’t yet safe.

Romford Town ward councillors Andrew Curtin, Frederick Thompson and Wendy Brice-Thompson have called on Network Rail to relax width and weight restrictions on Victoria Road bridge, claiming that they are causing traffic chaos.

But the company, which is contemplating work to make the bridge stronger, says the curbs – which effectively only allow cars through – are are vital to ensure public safety.

Traffic nightmare

Residents and councillors have complained that the restricted bridge is causing a traffic nightmare, with buses being diverted down nearby Brentwood Road and drivers doing dangerous U-turns.

Resident Jim Stubbings, of Victoria Road, said: “There’s insufficient signposting at Princes Road. We keep getting vehicles driving up on to our front garden to reverse.

“We also had a bus coming down the road a while ago and having to turn round.”

Cllr Curtin has urged residents to back their campaign, saying: “Havering Council is seeking to persuade Network Rail to help mitigate the problems that Romford residents are experiencing because of this restriction by relaxing the restriction on the bridge, thereby increasing the amount of traffic which can get across it.

“It would be really helpful if residents who agree that this would be of assistance could write to Network Rail in support of the idea.”

But a Network Rail spokesman said: “The safety of the public has to be our top priority. After we have completed our second detailed analysis of the bridge, we will be able to make a joint decision with Havering Council whether substantial strengthening works are required.

“It is entirely feasible that, after this analysis has taken place, the weight limit can be raised and the temporary width restriction removed.

“We are sorry for any inconvenience.”