Dickleburgh speeding issues described as "dangerous and potentially life-threatning" as solutions are sought

Villagers have called for action to tackle a long-running speeding problem, which has been described as “dangerous and potentially life-threatening.”

The problem is centred in Norwich Road, Dickleburgh, where traffic passes from a 40mph zone in to a 30mph zone, and then in to a 20mph zone, with many cars failing to adhere to the signs.

Sally Schulz, who moved to the village from Essex in September, was shocked at the speeds that cars travel past her home.

“We moved to Dickleburgh and, not knowing the area, we relied on the agent that sold our house to us, who told us that the village had village traffic only,” she said.

“This is not the case, as cars pass our house in a 20mph zone at around 40 to 50mph. It’s dangerous, and life threatening potentially.

“I have spoken to the local police who promised to put a speed reader in the village, which would record average speeds to support the installation of either speed cameras or speed bumps.

“I want to take this matter further, not just for Dickleburgh, but for all the Norfolk villages that suffer the same idiocy on their village roads.”

Another resident, Chris Morris, said: “You do see the occasional car speeding through, and there’s been more traffic since the shop has been there. I think the signs are effective, but they could be placed further along the road towards the A140.

“There is an open stretch of road after you come off the A140, then suddenly you hit a 20mph zone when you expect a 30mph. It can sneak up on you if you don’t know the road.

“I’m not sure there is a need for speed bumps, because, if motorists coming through there obey the limits on the signs, then there shouldn’t be a problem.”

The parish council has been working to alleviate the issue through recruiting volunteers to a village speed monitoring team and recording speed data with a mobile reader, which moves around different locations within the village. The council would like to see speed calming measures introduced.

“We do have use the speed awareness monitor, which has to be moved every four to six weeks,” said Dickleburgh and Rushall Parish Council clerk Ann Baker.

“If that monitor tells us that speeding is more frequent at certain times, then the police may come out.

“We also have a speed watch team made up of local residents, so we are certainly aware of the issues, which have been going on for some time.

“Police are also aware of speeding issues around the village, and we have talked a lot with Norfolk County Council about traffic calming measures, such as speed bumps, chicanes and signage, but finances for Norfolk are quite stretched, I understand.

“It’s something which has been flagged up in our emerging neighbourhood plan, so there is a hope that when that is complete, we may have some more funding to help deal with it.”

A spokesman for Norfolk County Council said: “Our highways teams work closely with parish councils to bring forward road safety improvements where evidence suggests that this is required in a particular location.

“It is too early to speculate on what specific transport infrastructure programmes could be funded if a devolution deal is finalised, but we encourage people to take part in the consultation, from February 6 to March 20, to comment and say what they want to see.”