TRAFFIC GATES will be permanently opened and the areas enforced by CCTV after residents successfully opposed controversial closure proposals.

Three gates in Cavendish Avenue, Fairlawn Drive, and Kelvedon Way in Woodford will be unlocked for good on December 14.

The three gates were installed in the 80s in a bid to stop the roads being used as rat runs.

The council had been set to permanently close all three in a bid to save around £35,000 per road, but residents were furious with the idea.

Business owners feared it would stop people visiting the Broadway.

MP Iain Duncan Smith joined the campaign against the closures.

Councillor Baldesh Nijjar, cabinet member for environment and sustainability, said: “Under the previous arrangements these gates had to be opened and closed manually at different times of the day to stop through traffic – this was very expensive.  

“We considered closing the gates permanently; however we’ve listened to local people who have asked for the service to continue. 

“With CCTV we’ve found a way to ensure that drivers abide by the restrictions without the costly need for opening and closing the gates.”

The rules will stay the same; although the gates will be open, traffic will not be allowed through the gates in Fairlawn Drive and Cavendish Ave between 7.30am and 10am and between 4pm and 7pm Monday to Friday.

Traffic will not be allowed through the gates in Kelvedon Way between 7.30am and 9.30am Monday to Friday.

Extra signs to make the rules clear have been promised.

Any motorist that breaks the rules may be issued a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).