Drivers travelling along a busy road in the city outskirts have been left confused about what speed they should be going because speed signs have been covered in bin bags.
For months motorists turning off Salhouse Road and onto Atlantic Avenue have been scratching their heads as to whether they need to drive at 30mph or 40mph.
The signs indicating it is a 30mph zone were installed by developers building homes in the area as part of an agreement with Norfolk County Council.
But they have had to be covered up as a traffic regulation order (TRO) reducing the speed from 40mph has not come into effect.
The TRO is the responsibility of Norfolk County Council.
A spokesman for the council said there have been delays in the legal process to get permission for the speed reduction.
Until the approval is granted, the speed of the signs cannot be enforced and they have to remain covered.
SPEED CONFUSION
Signs in Salhouse Road near the Atlantic Avenue junction indicate a 40mph zone.
But those driving on the same stretch of road in the opposite direction near a turning into Harrisons Drive must drop their speed to 30mph.
This has left those living nearby confused about what the speed limit is on Atlantic Avenue.
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Jan Evans, who lives on Harrisons Drive which is less than half a mile from the covered signs, said: "People are not sure what the speed limit is until you get to us then suddenly there's a 30mph sign nearby - the signage is a mess, it needs to be definitive."
Her husband, Rob Evans, added: "They've been there for a long time. It's almost like the signs were put up before they had the authorisation to do so."
The couple also say a 30mph restriction in the area would be welcomed as it would help keep pedestrians safe.
They fear that drivers have been speeding down Salhouse Road, making it dangerous for people getting off the bus which stops near their home and for pedestrians wanting to cross the road to get to Harrisons Wood.
They want to see 30mph speed limits installed further up the road, closer to where the homes are being developed as they believe this would force drivers to slow down as they approach the city.
'THE TRO IS UNDER WAY'
A spokesman for Norfolk County Council said: "The current speed limit along Salhouse Road is 40mph, there are signs indicating this along the road.
"The signs that are currently covered up were installed by one of the developers working on the Atlantic Avenue and Salhouse Road development.
"They show a 30mph speed limit, which is a reduction of the current speed limit and requires a new Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) to be issued before it can be implemented.
"The TRO, which is a legal ruling on a section of road, is currently going through the normal legal process and so can often be subject to delays.
"The process of this TRO is now well underway and moving through the legal system for the new speed limit to come into effect.
"Once confirmed, the existing signs will be removed and the new signs uncovered."
'ACTIVE DISCUSSIONS'
A spokeswoman from the consortium of developers said: "Road signals and signage are currently covered while we await technical approval from Norfolk County Council.
"Representatives from the consortium have been in active discussion with Norfolk County Council but the infrastructure must remain covered until final confirmation and approval is received."
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