This 9-mile Hornchurch route takes about 35 minutes and features the most traffic signals (10) of any route from this centre. It heads north through Brentwood Road to Eastern Avenue East, returning via the A127 at 50 mph. With 16 turns, 2 roundabouts, and 3 school zones, this is one of the most demanding Hornchurch routes for observation and speed management.

Watch Out For

• School zone on Eastern Avenue. 20 mph limit strictly enforced. Watch for flashing amber lights indicating school hours. Exceeding the limit here is a serious fault.
• Second school zone. Another 20 mph zone in quick succession. Stay alert as the speed limits change frequently through this residential stretch.
• Mercury Gardens junction. Complex junction near Romford town centre with heavy traffic. Lane positioning is critical.
• Pettits Lane. Residential road with parked cars on both sides creating pinch points. Give way to oncoming traffic where necessary.

Route Features

• 5 left turns, 11 right turns, 2 roundabouts, 10 sets of traffic lights.
• Most signal-controlled junctions (10) of all Hornchurch routes
• 3 school zones with 20 mph limits, more than any other route from this centre
• Speed range 20-50 mph. Reaches 50 mph on Southend Arterial Road but not the full 70 mph of Route #423
• 16 turns (5 left, 11 right) and 2 roundabouts make this the busiest route for junctions

Test Manoeuvres

• Pull up on the left near High Street. Find a safe gap between parked cars if necessary.

Key Tips

• Count the school zones. Three 20 mph zones mean constant speed checks. Use the speedometer, not just feel.
• With 10 traffic signals, practise anticipating light changes. Approach on green with caution, checking for stale greens.
• On the A127 return at 50 mph, do not exceed the limit. Speed camera awareness helps, but rely on road signs.

Other Information