New Norfolk policy could mean fewer slow down road signs

There are currently almost 650 of the electronic roadside signs - which use radar to detect approaching traffic and light up to warn motorists of the speed limit - maintained by Norfolk County Council on the county's roads.

But, historically, there has been no formal assessment framework to support decisions around the installation, replacement or removal of the signs.

In some cases, with ever increasing pressure on County Hall's budget, a number of the signs which have stopped working have never been fixed.

And, with a new contract over the maintenance of the signs due to begin in November, officers at the Reform-led council have come up with a new policy around the signs, along with the flashing amber warning signs outside schools.

The policy, discussed at a recent meeting of the council's infrastructure and development select committee, states both types of sign will only be installed "to address identified road safety concerns and in accordance with the county council’s speed management strategy."

Officers, in a report which was put before councillors, said: "New installations will only be considered where there is sufficient evidence to demonstrate the need for the sign and with the agreement of the county council’s network safety team."

The council said it will only take on maintenance of new signs if a commuted sum - a financial payment made by a developer or other third party such as a parish council - is paid to County Hall to cover future maintenance and operational costs.

And officers said: "Where existing vehicle activated signs reach the end of their operational life, they will be subject to a risk assessment.

"Signs will only be replaced where a current and demonstrable road safety need exists; otherwise, they will be removed."

Officers said that policy would introduce a "consistent and evidence-based approach, ensuring that decisions are informed by factors such as collision history, vehicle speeds, traffic flows and local environmental conditions."

They said: "This will support transparent decision-making and help ensure that resources are targeted towards locations with a demonstrable road safety need."

Liberal Democrat county councillor Callum Ringer (Image: Supplied)

But Liberal Democrat county councillor Callum Ringer said he had "reservations" about the refreshed policy.

He said he feared the burden to pay for signs could fall on to parish councils. He warned: "I do think that is going to cause consequences down the line."