Gates across roads in Finchley which should only be used by emergency vehicles are being left open by careless residents and council workers.

Only the emergency services should be able to open the gates, but many residents have got keys, with others complaining they are being left open, causing a danger to traffic.

Residents have said the worst example is in Windermere Avenue, where the gate opens to face oncoming traffic but is obscured from view by a sharp bend in the road.

A near miss was reported this month in nearby Basing Way, when a gate was left open.

Sergeant Alison Preece, from Finchley Safer Neighbourhoods Team, said: "When the gates are left open they can be a hazard for other motorists. They could easily go through a windscreen."

Resident, Mike Coleman, whose home overlooks the gate in Windermere Avenue, said: "I've seen BT vans use the gates and leave them open.

"I called BT and they said at first they were given the keys by the council, and then said it was the fire service, so I alerted the council.

"The council said the use of the gates was for emergency vehicles, but that they were unable to keep control of the gates as keys were readily available."

Mr Coleman has also seen refuse vehicles using the gates during Monday morning collections. On one occasion it was left open, but he was unable to close the gate because it had been locked in the open position.

He added: "I sent the council a photo of a vehicle blocking an open gate, and a firefighter looking for the driver, but it said it wasn't its remit."

A spokeswoman for Barnet Council said: "We are not aware of these keys being distributed to anyone other than those authorised by the authority. If we were to have evidence of this, we would take the matter very seriously and act immediately.

"It is the responsibility of the police to enforce width restrictions the gates. We are aware, however, that certain gates within the borough are being left open. As soon as we are alerted that a gate has been left open, a member of staff from our highways team is dispatched to shut it immediately."

A spokesman for Barnet police said although the council issued the keys, any unauthorised vehicles caught using the gates could face a driving penalty.

Other gates being left open around Finchley include those in Mountfield Road and Cavendish Avenue.