Residents on road in Harlow set to close for 18 months say they are "livid" with plans
The experimental road closure on Old Road will begin this month
Angry residents have said they’re ‘livid’ over plans to close a road for 18-months, claiming that it will ‘cut them off’ from ‘essential routes’.
Essex Highways say they are implementing the experimental road closure between Hart Road and The Hoo in Harlow following concerns Old Road is being used as a shortcut between Cambridge Road and Gilden Way.
Residents say by blocking the road with bollards on the railway line bridge in Old Road will effectively cut them off from Old Harlow village – forcing everyone to funnel up narrow Hart Road. An Essex Highways survey carried out last year assessed an average of 275 vehicles a day were using the road as a through-route from Cambridge Road to Mulberry Green while an average of 35 vehicles a day were travelling in the opposite direction.
The trial closure is for a maximum period of up to 18 months. Once in place, a statutory six-month consultation period will open, allowing residents to comment as part of the Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) process.
Helen Wasson who lives on Wheatfields off Old Road said: “The local people really are angry. They are livid. Local people use this road. There are quite a few roads off Old Road. It is a normal road. By closing it just means we all have to go up a very narrow road – Hart Road – onto the A1184 for nothing.”
Abi Kershaw has launched an online petition opposing the plans that had garnered more than 360 signatures by October 5. She said: “Old Road is not just a street. It is an essential route for countless residents, providing access to homes, schools, local businesses, and essential services.
“Its closure will undoubtedly lead to increased traffic congestion on surrounding roads, longer commute times, and limit accessibility for emergency services. The ripple effect will be felt by everyone in the area, transforming a key arterial road into a bottleneck.
“This proposal appears to have been made without sufficient consultation with the community. As engaged citizens and stakeholders, we deserve to be involved in decisions that affect our lives so significantly. It is concerning that such a crucial decision is moving forward in what seems like an administrative vacuum without considering the perspectives of those who call this area home.
“While I understand the need for progress and infrastructure changes, they cannot come at the expense of public input and community harmony. A transparent, inclusive decision-making process is critical. We need open forums where residents’ concerns can be heard and alternative solutions can be explored. For instance, traffic studies could be conducted to identify less disruptive changes or enhancements to current road systems that do not necessitate the drastic measure of closure.”
A woman said she had mixed feelings about it. She said: “In the morning the traffic is constant. Some people are really for it.”
Another resident said: “I don’t know if it has moderately increased or not – but it certainly is not enough to warrant a road closure.”
He added: “One of the worst things about it is they are doing it without a consultation – because the way they are doing it is though an experimental road traffic order. That allows them to close the road and then do the consultation afterwards.”
Tum Haydr, who has run Hoo Express Food and Wine for the past four years has collected nearly a 1,000 signatures opposing the proposals. He said: “If the road closes it will affect my business because our customers are coming this way as well.
“People go to work, they are on the school run, they come to my shop. When you close it it will affect my finances. Most of my business is by car. I have customers in Sawbridgeworth coming here. I do parcel collections. I am scared of what it will mean for my finances.”
He said other measures like speed restrictions, speed bumps and improved signage should be implemented before road closures. He added: “We need democracy. Essex Highways have to ask the people what do they want to do.”
Essex County Council has said that for a number of years residents have raised concerns about Old Road in Harlow being used as a shortcut between Cambridge Road and Gilden Way.
It added that having considered various options to address the issue and encourage drivers to use more appropriate routes, Essex County Council is trialing an experimental closure of Old Road.
The closure, which will come into effect from Monday October 19 means that vehicle access to all properties off Old Road will be maintained but from one direction only. Access will remain in both directions for people walking and cycling.
Stuart Crook, who has lived in the Old Road for 27 years said: “For me it would be the best thing in my life – I can’t sit in my garden because of the noise from the traffic. People come down there like a rocket. Some people are frighted to pull out of their drives.”
He added: “It was never like this until they opened up junction 7a. Now it’s constant. I just keep my fingers crossed they are going to carry it on.”
Councillor Mark Webster, Essex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Infrastructure, said: “Residents and local councillors have called for action to tackle rat running in this part of Old Harlow for a number of years.
“Old Road is a residential street and not an appropriate route for longer distance through-traffic. The experimental closure will stop drivers from using Old Road as a shortcut and aims to make it a quieter, safer and more pleasant place for residents.
“We recognise there may be divided opinions about the closure and we are keen to hear views from both sides. The trial will provide an opportunity for residents to share their views and for us to consider the evidence before we make a decision about whether to make the closure permanent.”
A final decision on whether to make the closure permanent is expected to be made by next summer and no later than Spring 2028.