LEARNER drivers are continuing to 'blight' an affluent South Woodford estate, despite dangerously icy conditions, residents say.

Residents of the Firs Estate have been campaigning to keep trainee motorists off their streets for a decade and now say they have seen learners practising three-point turns and other manoeuvres on icy roads.

Eddie Blackwell, 75, who has been leading the campaign, said: “I was inundated with phone calls.

“There was a learner doing a three-point turn, who ended up blocking traffic because they got stuck on the ice.”

Mum-of-two Lisa Quinn, 41, said she had even seen drivers on Christmas Day.

She said: “While sitting with my family, eating our festive spread, we had to put up with a learner practising their reverse parking into a space outside our house and across our drive.

“This would have been irritating at the best of times but on Christmas Day, I find this offensive. Not only did we have to endure this once but they did it at least four times.”

She described the instructors as “senseless” for allowing learners to drive in icy conditions, saying: “If they have to teach in weather we are advised not to drive in, they should stick to the main roads which are clearer.”

Mrs Quinn added: "They're out there trundling along at five miles an hour - one instructor had his hand constantly on the wheel, which shows how new a driver that person was.

"It's not the drivers' fault - it's the instructors."

Residents have repeatedly asked the council to install “access only” signs but the authority has said although it is sympathetic to the cause, it would not be possible to enforce the signs properly.

Mr Blackwell added: “It's unbelievable. It's totally irresponsible of the instructors to bring learners into the area.”

He said another letter is being sent to council leader Keith Prince on behalf of residents and that he intends to press ahead with legal action if no response is made.

The Guardian reported last week that the campaign has now been stepped up as it enters its 10th year, with residents writing to the secretary of state for transport about the issue.