Speed limits are to be cut in a string of Norfolk villages near the A47 because of concerns a road - which is yet to be built - could increase traffic on rural routes in the area.
The unusual situation has arisen because modelling suggested motorists heading for the Norwich Western Link – which had been proposed for construction between the A47 near Honingham and the A1067 Fakenham Road – could increase traffic through a number of villages.
While the aim of the Western Link was to cut rat-running in places such as Costessey, Hockering, Weston Longville and Ringland, analysis suggested that traffic could increase in some locations south of the A47.
That included roads around Barnham Broom, Brandon Prava, Carleton Forehoe, Kimberley, Wicklewood and Wymondham, with highways officials planning speed limit reductions to counter the effect of the new road.
Even though the previous plans for the Western Link have been withdrawn - with a new route yet to be proposed - Norfolk County Council has agreed to bring in some of the speed limit reductions in those areas.
A report by County Hall officers stated: “Although the planning application for the Norwich Western Link has been withdrawn, it was agreed to continue the development of the phase one reduced speed limit proposals for the south of A47 area, in order to address existing concerns from the communities about the speeds of traffic and forecast traffic concerns within the villages.”
Consultation over the traffic orders to bring in those reductions was carried out, and Tom Dickerson, the Reform-led council's cabinet member for highways and transport, has used his delegated powers to approve the proposals.
It will mean:
- A 20mph speed limit through the main built-up area within Barnham Broom - a reduction to the current 30mph speed limit.
- The introduction of a 30mph speed limit along parts of Honingham Road, Norwich Road, Bell Road, Rush Green and Wymondham Road near Barnham Broom and on parts of Barnham Broom Road, Station Road, Hingham Road, Dereham Road and Wymondham Road, near Kimberley.
- A 30mph speed limit along Low Street, Green Lane, Crownthorpe Road and Chapel Lane between Wicklewood and Wymondham and on Barnham Broom Road in Carleton Forhoe.
- A 40mph speed limit on various sections of roads forming the main approaches to Barnham Broom, Kimberley, Carleton Forehoe and Wicklewood.
- A speed limit reduction from 60mph to 50mph on sections of Honingham Road and Rush Green leading to Barnham Road and on Norwich Road, towards Carleton Forehoe.
County Hall officers said: "The proposals are expected to improve safety and accessibility for residents and visitors, particularly for children, older people, and other vulnerable users, while maintaining suitable movement for all classes of traffic.
"The measures are considered proportionate to the issues identified and appropriate for the character of the roads affected."
The future of the Norwich Western Link itself remains uncertain.
Last year, the county council, while under Conservative control, reluctantly pulled previous proposals for the 3.9-mile road, which would have cost £274 million, after Natural England objected for environmental reasons.
Those reasons included the impact the road, which the council has already spent more than £55m on, would have had on protected barbastelle bats.
The new Reform administration at County Hall has said it remains committed to a scheme and it looks likely that a revised route would have to cross the River Wensum on the A1067 Fakenham Road at Attlebridge and join the A47 at Wood Lane.
Surveys are under way and the council has said it hopes to put new options out for public consultation next year.
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