Romford’s Evolution: From Market Town to Driving Destination
Romford, the administrative hub of the London Borough of Havering, possesses a long and proud history that predates the formation of Greater London. Its identity as a vital market town has shaped its roads and traffic flows for centuries, making it an excellent—and challenging—place to master the art of driving.
Romford: A History of Commerce and Growth
The history of Romford is defined by its strategic location on the main road from London to Colchester.
The Market Town Legacy
Romford began as a small agricultural settlement. Its importance grew significantly in 1247 when King Henry III granted a royal charter for a weekly market. This market (which still thrives today) established Romford as the primary commercial centre for South Essex.
Throughout the centuries, Romford served as a vital coaching stop, with numerous inns catering to travellers on the busy high road. This commercial focus defined the layout of the town centre, which remains a bustling hub of activity.
Industrialisation and Integration into London
The arrival of the railway in the mid-19th century transformed Romford from a large village into a significant urban centre. Industries flourished, notably brewing, which became a dominant local trade with the Ind Coope brewery (later Tetley’s) being a major employer for over two centuries.
Following World War II, the population expanded rapidly as Londoners moved out to the suburbs. In 1965, Romford ceased being an Essex town and was incorporated into the newly formed Greater London, becoming a key metropolitan centre with one of the capital’s largest shopping areas.
Why You Should Learn to Drive in Romford
Learning to drive in Romford is the perfect “Goldilocks” experience: it offers more complexity than a quiet village, but is often less overwhelming than central London. The sheer variety of roads here provides a complete education in urban driving.
The Driving Advantage
- Mastering Complex Urban Layouts: Romford features a genuinely busy town centre with gyratory systems (like the Romford Ring Road), intricate junctions, and high pedestrian traffic. Successfully navigating this area teaches vital observational and planning skills crucial for driving safely in any town or city.
- Diverse Road Types: Within a short driving lesson, you can transition from quiet residential streets (ideal for perfecting manoeuvres) to commercial high streets, roundabouts of varying sizes, and major A-roads like the A12 and A118. This prepares you for virtually all road scenarios.
- Experience with High-Traffic Areas: The presence of The Liberty Shopping Centre and the bustling market ensures you gain essential experience handling heavy traffic, dealing with impatient drivers, and navigating areas with frequent stops and starts.
- Strategic Test Centre Proximity: Romford is home to a busy DVSA driving test centre (located on Hornchurch Road). Local instructors know every trick, every tricky junction, and every potential test route the examiners use. This targeted practice significantly improves your chances of passing.
By choosing Romford, you are choosing a practical education in real-world driving. A pass here proves you have the comprehensive skills and confidence required to handle the complexities of modern UK roads.