automatic gates
Havering Council is facing calls to explain why park gates, which can be locked, have not been routinely secured at night since autumn 2022.
Havering council's Place Overview & Scrutiny Sub Committee discussed park safety and gate management in November 2026 after residents raised concerns about gates not being locked. The committee heard calls for more data and a clearer rationale regarding the council's policy.
The practice of locking park gates at dusk stopped in autumn 2022 as part of the council's medium-term financial strategy. Of Havering's 89 parks, 34 have gates that are capable of being locked, but they are not routinely secured overnight.
Key facts
- Havering council's Place Overview & Scrutiny Sub Committee discussed park gate management in November 2026. Source
- Park gates across Havering have not been routinely locked at night since autumn 2022. Source
- The change in policy in autumn 2022 was part of Havering council's medium-term financial strategy. Source
- Of Havering's 89 parks, 34 have gates that are lockable. 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.