Thank you for sharing the petition submitted by residents of Quidenham Road. Norfolk County Council Highways has reviewed the points raised and provides the following formal response.

1. Request to reduce the speed limit from 30mph to 20mph

Norfolk County Council’s Speed Management Strategy sets out the criteria that must be met for a reduction to a 20mph limit.

To introduce a lower speed limit, there must be:

• Evidence of a collision history that would justify a safety intervention, or
• A change in the character of the area (e.g., significant frontage development), or
• External funding to deliver the required Traffic Regulation Order and associated signing works.

At present, Quidenham Road does not meet the criteria for a safety-driven speed limit reduction, and there is no NCC capital budget available for unfunded speed limit changes. This is consistent with the advice previously provided during site meetings and correspondence.

NCC must set limits appropriate for the road environment and with a reasonable expectation of compliance. Lowering the limit where conditions are not supportive typically results in poor compliance and offers little safety benefit, as confirmed in previous assessments by our Network Safety Team.

For these reasons, the request to reduce the speed limit to 20mph cannot be supported at this time.

2. Request to extend the 30mph limit to include the blind bends and South Lodge

The extension of a speed limit requires:

• Evidence of need (safety or development-driven)
• A formal Traffic Regulation Order
• Funding for design, consultation, legal advertisement, and installation

While NCC acknowledges the concerns raised, the characteristics of this section of road do not currently meet the criteria for a funded alteration to the existing limit. The bends are already supported by warning signage, which is the appropriate measure for this type of rural approach.

However, signage improvements have now been programmed (see Section 4), which will enhance driver awareness of the bends and the approaching 30mph area.

At this time, NCC is unable to progress a speed-limit extension.

3. Request for reinstatement of the “SLOW” road markings

NCC agrees that clear road markings are an important part of managing driver behaviour on the approaches to bends and speed transitions.

I can confirm that:

• Refreshing of the SLOW markings has now been programmed.
• Associated warning signs along Quidenham Road have also been identified for renewal and will be replaced.

These works will improve the visibility of both the bends and the existing speed limit transition and provide an immediate enhancement to road safety without requiring changes to statutory speed limits.

4. Summary of Actions Being Taken

• Replacement of ageing or obscured road signs on Quidenham Road.
• Refreshing the white “SLOW” road markings at both identified locations.
• Continued monitoring of the route as part of the standard NCC inspection regime.

These measures represent the most appropriate and proportionate intervention based on current policy and available evidence.

NCC Highways recognises the concerns raised by residents and has taken steps to improve visibility and driver awareness through programmed signage and lining works. However, at this time the request for a 20mph limit and the request to extend the 30mph limit cannot be progressed under NCC’s Speed Management Strategy, due to the lack of safety justification and absence of funding for changes to statutory speed limits.

NCC will continue to monitor Quidenham Road, and any future changes in traffic conditions, development, or safety data will be reviewed in line with standard processes.