TfL has confirmed it will not be paying Romford businesses for a loss of passing trade as a result of the Gallows Corner closure, and has no plans to do so.
The Recorder understands TfL believes there is no legal basis for a compensation scheme, and that creating a one-off scheme would set a precedent for the rest of London.
TfL has said it is instead “working closely” with the Valuation Office Agency to support them in assessing businesses’ claims for rate reductions.
READ MORE: Everything we know about Gallows Corner works timeline
A TfL spokesperson told this paper: “We’re incredibly grateful to residents and businesses for their continued patience while we carry out these essential works at Gallows Corner as we know these works affect local businesses.
“We’re working closely with the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) to understand if and how we can support them in assessing any claims brought forward by local business owners applying for any rate reductions.
“We’re also supporting businesses with regular updates, help with deliveries, and ongoing engagement with Havering Council while we continue to work on completing works at the flyover.”
It comes after TfL announced at the beginning of the month that Gallows Corner will remain closed until at least spring 2026.
The delays to the major project – as a result of problems with the ground condition – have been called “disturbing” and “farcical” by local business owners, who were already “struggling” only a week into the closure.
Havering Council previously advised in July that businesses affected by the Gallows Corner can apply for a temporary business rates reduction via the VOA.
A council spokesperson said at the time that as the works are part of a TfL project, “TfL are supporting local businesses during the works”.
The junction has now been closed for five months, with a large stretch of the new flyover in place.
