March

Plans to reduce the speed limit and install average speed cameras on a section of the A47 have been dropped.

National Highways said its proposal between Little Fransham and Dereham in mid-Norfolk was “no longer being taken forward”.

Its regional director Martin Fellows said: “We have been unable to agree a way forward on the proposed Little Fransham to Dereham safety scheme with our stakeholders, including Norfolk County Council. However, we remain fully committed to delivering safety improvements on the A47.”

Norfolk County Council said the road needed “physical changes” to make it safer.

National Highways has not explained to the BBC the reason why it could not find agreement.

The government’s trunk road agency said work to convert the single-lane section between Blofield and North Burlingham and from North Tuddenham to Easton to a new two-lane dual carriageway were both progressing.

Earlier in March, safety improvement work began between Acle and Great Yarmouth, with the fitting of average speed cameras which will see the speed limit for cars reduced from 60mph to 50mph.

Additional safety works are also being carried out between King’s Lynn and Peterborough^[1] – with 20 average speed cameras being installed.

It will see parts of the road between Lynn and Wisbech reduced from 60mph to 50mph and a 40mph limit through the village of Thorney.

Grahame Bygrave, director of infrastructure at Norfolk County Council, said: “We recently met the Roads Minister to discuss the vital need for improvements on the A47, given its strategic importance for the county’s economy and communities.

“Norfolk County Council was clear that the road requires physical changes to its layout to improve safety outcomes, with over 90% of incidents occurring on single carriageway sections.

“We welcome any attempt to improve safety on the A47 and will continue to work with National Highways to find alternative solutions.”