Residents who feel “trapped” in their street due to long-running gas works are calling for traffic calming measures as increasing numbers of motorists use it as a cut through.

Last week, work to replace ageing gas mains with new pipes started and are scheduled to continue in Blake Hall Road, Wanstead, until October 30.

The residents of nearby Windsor Road claim their road has become a “speeding rat-run” for drivers cutting through to avoid the traffic lights.

They are calling for Redbridge council to implement traffic calming measures such as temporary speed humps or access-only signs at the entrance to their street.

Paul Gocke, 59, said: “Redbridge council needs to work with us to find a solution because it is going to go on for over three months and it hasn’t thought about the implications of these road works.

“National Grid has been perfectly reasonable and I understand these works are essential, it has been very apologetic but we need some action from the council."

Sarah Dobinson, 51, said the situation was “an accident waiting to happen”.

She said: “We have been kept up in the night by the increased traffic, some cars are using it as a speeding rat-run up to 11pm every night.

“The drivers are frustrated too after sitting in traffic which means they are driving really fast, I worry that with kids running around the street, one could be hurt.”

Sheila Keating, 65, said that people unable to walk long distances have become "trapped" in their homes.

She said: “I had to get off the bus early on my way home because it was taking too long and I actually got home before the bus got through the lights.

“It takes over 30 minutes to get to Wanstead High Street which is normally a couple of minutes, I just think this hasn’t been very well thought out.

“It is fine for me to walk but people with kids or mobility issues living in this road are unable to get to the shops at the moment and feel trapped here.”

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

The traffic in Blake Hall Road, Wanstead, yesterday afternoon.

A spokesman for National Grid said the company was trying to keep disruption to a minimum.

He said: “This important work will help ensure we continue to provide safe and reliable gas supplies to local businesses and residents.

“We’re sorry for any inconvenience our vital work may cause.

“Where possible we insert the new pipes into the old mains which reduces the need for digging large excavations and minimises congestion.

“Also carrying out work in the school holidays when roads are generally quieter also helps to reduce congestion."

People can call National Grid with any questions on 0800 096 5678.

Redbridge council has been contacted for comment.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

National Grid has described the work as "vital".