Redbridge Council has apologised to drivers wrongly slapped with fines in a “textbook blunder” on New Year’s Day.

Motorists using Cavendish Avenue in Woodford on the bank holiday were shocked to receive tickets for driving through a set of gates on the road.

The gates usually stand open, but there is restricted access between them from Monday to Friday from 7am to 10.30am and 4pm to 7pm, except for bank holidays.

The council issued at least nine drivers with penalty fine notices for driving through Cavendish Avenue’s gates during those times on New Year’s Day.

The council said all of the fines issued have since been rescinded and those they have already received payment for will be refunded.

Brian Meggs’ wife received a parking ticket for doing the same and he decided to fight the council’s decision on behalf of everyone slapped with fines.

The 54-year-old, who lives in the road and has done for 10 years, said: “I just find it appalling really, they just haven’t done anything about it.

“We raised a formal challenge to the PCN and have had no response yet.

“They should all be rescinded, I’m just frustrated.

“And the fact that they have already accepted some payments just makes it worse.”

Cllr Stephen Adams, of Churchfields ward, was helping Mr Meggs fight the fines.

He said: “After raking in excess of £1.5 million in fines from cameras on this road and those of Fairlawn Drive, much of it from residents, the council has made a textbook blunder in fining residents for driving through on New Years Day, which is permissible since it’s a bank holiday.

“This has caused undue distress to residents and those visiting family over the festive period. It has disgracefully taken 14 days for the council to respond to initial enquiries, leaving residents lingering.

“Whilst I’m glad the council have now confirmed that fines will be cancelled and paid fines reimbursed, refunds may take up to several weeks, which is not good enough.

“The council needs to do better at serving its residents, particularly when residents have been disadvantaged due to pure council incompetence.”

A spokesman for Redbridge Council said: “Unfortunately, the camera at Cavendish Avenue issued tickets on the 1 January 2019 incorrectly and we apologise for any inconvenience this has caused. We want to assure residents all fines have now been cancelled and we will refund payments that have already been made.”