park access
Havering Council is reviewing its policy on locking park gates at night after residents raised concerns about safety and access, following a change implemented in 2022.
Havering Council's Place Overview & Scrutiny Sub Committee discussed park safety and gate management in November 2026, following concerns from residents. The committee heard that park gates across the borough have not been routinely locked at night since autumn 2022, despite 34 of Havering's 89 parks having lockable gates. Members called for more data and a clearer rationale for the current policy.
The practice of locking park gates at dusk and reopening them at dawn stopped in autumn 2022. This change was implemented as part of the council’s medium-term financial strategy. A benchmarking exercise indicated that other London boroughs had also reduced similar practices, influencing Havering's decision to cease routine nightly locking.
Key facts
- Havering's park gates have not been routinely locked at night since autumn 2022. Source
- Havering Council's Place Overview & Scrutiny Sub Committee discussed park safety and gate management in November 2026. Source
- Of Havering's 89 parks, 34 have lockable gates that are not routinely locked. Source
- The policy change in Havering was part of the council’s medium-term financial strategy. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 12 November 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.