Council plans to transform a key city route have sparked fears that commuters and shoppers will clog up roads in non-permit streets nearby.
A public consultation has been ongoing regarding a blueprint to make Sprowston Road safer as part of the £32m Transforming Cities Fund.
This could result in a new one-way system, road widening and removal of on-street parking.
But those living in non-permit streets such as Capps Road and Massingham Road fear the plans will lead to even more cars parking in their narrow streets instead of Denmark Road and Sprowston Road.
Andrew Barren, 43, who has lived in Capps Road for 20 years, said: "There is always going to be a knock-on effect to permit parking.
"We have had debates in the past about whether it should be permit around here.
"There is not much room for manoeuvre. A one-way system will also have an impact in Denmark Road which is a rat-run anyway."
Further public feedback will be sought about the council's plans in the new year with letters already delivered to homes in the area.
Beryl Murray, 80, who has lived in Capps Road since 1972, said: "People often park along here and go into the city for work or shopping. People can be quite aggressive.
"These plans will only make that worse for us. Some homes already have two cars."
The county council has previously said it has carried out "extensive engagement" with the community on how to improve Sprowston Road and the surrounding area.
Pauline Ramsey, 82, who lives in Massingham Road just off Denmark Road, said: "These roads were not made for all this traffic when they were built."
Ben Grapes, 40, who lives in Denmark Road, said: "They plan to make this permitted but where do all these people then park?
"It will push more people into side streets like Massingham Road and Capps Road which are permit free."
Julie Brociek-Coulton, Labour city and county councillor for the Sewell ward, said: "They are looking into permit parking and having a crossing for Sprowston Road.
"No decision will be made in the area until it goes to highways and there has been a lot of consultation already."
The county council has been contacted for comment.
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