More than 350 residents have signed a petition opposing a ban on u-turns in a residential street.

The manoeuvre has been permitted in Clayhall Avenue, Barkingside, for 40 years and there were previously protests in 2011 when residents began being fined.

Fines worth about £60,000 were dropped and £10,000 refunded following a campaign by people living on Hill Farm Estate.

Residents travelling to South Woodford use Clayhall Avenue to perform a u-turn and avoid a long detour.

But a report presented to an Area 4 Committee meeting in June suggested the authority was once again considering enforcing the ban, prompting the new campaign.

Last night a petition signed by 354 people was delivered to Redbridge Council.

Cllr Ian Bond, who was involved with the previous campaign and supports the residents’, said: “I despair at this argument coming up yet again and councillors are fighting this latest attempt to change a long-standing traffic situation.

“The plan will force lots more traffic through the residential back streets of Clayhall. We also argue that replacing the T-junction with a roundabout at the bottom of Clayhall Avenue would solve the problem.

“The council has already asked Transport for London to see whether this would be feasible.  But of course it would be an expensive project and, even if achievable, not likely to be decided quickly.”

Signs warning drivers that u-turns are not permitted remain in Clayhall Avenue despite the lack of enforcement.

Redbridge Council has been asked to comment.