Residents ordered to carry ID to get past roadblocks

People who live close to the exhibition centre where Gordon Brown, President Barack Obama and other leaders meet this week have been told they must carry two forms of ID, including one with a photo, to ensure only those who need to can get through roadblocks.

Scotland Yard said it regretted having to introduce the measure but it was needed to ensure public safety at the east London site.

The move has angered campaigners, who questioned the Met's legal authority to enforce the measure. Some residents said the move was a step too far, having already had three DLR train stations closed during the summit.

Shami Chakrabarti, director of human rights group Liberty, said: "Despite the Government's best efforts we don't yet have compulsory ID cards in this country. And even the Government promised that people would not be required to carry papers on the street.

"The police don't have the legal authority to require people to carry ID papers. If they are asking them to, they had better be asking them nicely and come up with some proper reasons. I don't blame residents for being upset."

Instructions to those living at the western end of the Excel estate have been posted on Newham council's website and flyers explaining the guidance have been sent in the post. The instructions say residents should carry "two forms of identification/proof of address (one of which must be photographic) to gain entry through security cordons".

Residents of private flats in Western Gateway, part of the Excel estate, say it is the latest in a long line of unnecessarily stringent demands.

Insurance executive Sarah Roberts, 35, said: "I can understand extra measures being put in place but this is completely over the top. Surely police can verify someone without having to resort to imposing something so draconian? We are British and we do not have to carry ID, that is one of the best things about this country."

Natasha Fernz, 32, an IT consultant with dual Malaysian and British nationality, said: "It is like being in another country where you are forced to carry your passport."

Scotland Yard defended the decision. A spokesman said: "Naturally we regret any inconvenience caused and we will try to minimise the disruption to residents. This is not any ordinary conference - half of the world's leaders are coming to London so we have to take precautions."

A Newham council spokeswoman said: "We are working closely with the police to ensure residents and businesses do not suffer."