Gridlock caused by parked cars in a cul-de-sac has got so bad firefighters were almost unable to tackle a blaze.

Council representatives, including cabinet member for environment Daniel Anderson, met with people living in Autumn Close, Enfield, who have suffered nightmarish levels of traffic and congestion, with suggestions to resolve the problems.

Neighbours said on July 12, at around 1.45am, there was a fire in the service road at the back of their homes.

They said the blaze was at the very end of the road so when the fire brigade arrived they could not get to the fire due to cars parked there, which they are officially banned from doing.

While the fire was put out and nobody was hurt, the neighbours said the firefighters’ job was made difficult because of the attitude of people parking around the street, even when asked not to.

Margaret Canham, who lives on Autumn Close, said the fire could easily have spread into the houses.

She said: “Even a bike couldn’t get down there, it would have to be empty for a fire truck. When they realised they couldn’t get in they had to call in another engine for an extension for the hose as they couldn’t reach. It’s not an inconvenience, it’s dangerous.

“When I moved in 33 years ago, the people we bought it off said the rules for the service road were that you were not allowed to leave your car there. I have a parking space in my garage on that road, but I can’t use it because people keep parking across it.”

Among the council’s suggestions for lessening the traffic worries were for the two schools on the street – Carterhatch Infants School and Russet House School – to agree with a “park and stride” initiative, which would encourage parents to park away from the road and walk their children a short distance to school.

They also said they have written to Autumn Close Children’s Centre after complaints rubbish, including nappies, was being dumped all over the street, as well as promising to investigate whether extra parking restrictions are possible, and fix damage to the road in the next month.

Parking enforcement officers were also promised to patrol in greater numbers when the schools restart in September.

Cllr Anderson said he had suffered the traffic problems first hand when visiting Russet House last week.

He said: “While coming in just before 3pm the other day, there were cars parking very badly, nobody could get out because of the parents. It is definitely their problem.

“We need the school’s heads and chair of governors to work with us and push it through. If we start the new term with instant enforcement, it might push it through to people.

“We will seek to implement some of these things as soon as possible.”

As a result of the two schools and children’s centre on the small road, there is gridlock on the street every morning and evening, with cars and vans driving on pavements putting pedestrians at risk, blocking and damaging drives and parking on double yellow lines.

People also complained of rubbish being dumped by inconsiderate drivers, and of HGV deliveries to the school adding to their misery.

Both schools were contacted by the council. Carterhatch did not respond, and Russet House said the problems were not being caused by their parents or staff as they have a large car park on their site.