I always liked the idea of locking the gates, but thought the implementation was too binary. I wanted something where the guards might quiz you for coming in or leaving too late, or suggest you visit a nearby inn outside town until morning, etc.
The request is basically the quote, it would only be natural that the count(ess) or city guard would order the gates locked after a certain time during an Oblivion crisis and if trying to enter after that time you are questioned on why you want to enter the city so late and could be refused if for instance you don't give a valid enough answer or your infamy is to high or even current bounty...would anyone be willing to do this?