New traffic lights at a danger junction were finally switched on after a campaign spanning more than two decades.

Residents have long been calling for lights at the junction of George Lane, South View Drive and Chigwell Road in South Woodford following a series of crashes and near-misses over the past 20 years.

Redbridge Council’s cabinet finally approved the proposals in March after more than 400 residents signed a petition calling for action, and they have been installed in partnership with Transport for London.

Those living nearby claim the road layout makes it difficult for drivers to spot on-coming traffic when turning at the junction and believe traffic lights will help deter motorists from taking risks.

Bill Smith, 77, who has lived in South View Drive for 47 years, said: “It’s been a long time coming and we did start to doubt if it would ever happen.

“But we knew they were needed so we kept up the pressure until we got it.”

Lib Dem ward councillor Ian Bond said: “It’s great that after years of campaigning the new lights are now up and working. Residents have worked hard with us to overturn the council’s previous objections and so this is a true victory for people power.

“We stayed at the junction for some time on Saturday to see it working, and the traffic was flowing well.

Crossing was much easier for pedestrians and passers-by came over to say how happy they were.”

Redbridge Conservative Party spokesman Ben Caine added: “I am delighted that the lights will be ready in time for the new school year.”

A spokesman for Redbridge Council said: “There will be an all-round pedestrian stage to allow pedestrians to cross all arms of the junction safely with facilities to assist pedestrians with impaired vision.”