Rural roads are getting reduced speed limits because of the impact of a major transport scheme - even though that project has not been built.
A number of roads in Felthorpe, to the west of Norwich, are to see 30mph speed limits cut to 20mph and 60mph limits reduced to 40mph after a Norfolk County Council decision.
The changes had been developed by officers at County Hall after modelling suggested some roads around the village were likely to see extra traffic once the Norwich Western Link road was built.
While the council's original plans for that road were scrapped because of objections on environmental grounds, Reform-led County Hall remains keen to revive the project, albeit with a different route.
But in the meantime, a decision has been made which will see some of the changes for Felthorpe introduced regardless of what the future holds for the Western Link.
Villagers have long called for lower speed limits, with handmade signs urging drivers to consider slowing down.
Tom Dickerson, the council's cabinet member for highways and transport, used his delegated powers to agree to the traffic regulation orders for speed limit reductions in Felthorpe.
Plans for physical traffic calming measures have been ditched for now, but 20mph speed limits will be introduced in parts of Felthorpe Road, The Street, Mill Lane, Taverham Road, Church Lane, Hall Lane, Bilney Lane, Nash Road, and Schoolfield.
New 40mph limits will be brought in on sections of The Street, Shortthorn Road, Bilney Lane, Church Lane, and Brands Lane.
In a council report, officers stated: "The proposed 20mph speed limit through the main built-up area of the village is considered appropriate in light of the road environment and village character.
"While no new physical traffic calming measures are currently proposed, existing highway features and the overall layout of the village are considered sufficient to support the effective operation of a reduced speed limit at this stage.
"The proposed 40mph speed limits on sections of Bilney Lane, Brands Lane, and Church Lane reflect their more rural nature, lower density of frontage development, and function within the wider highway network.
"These roads were reviewed during site visits and assessed against the council’s speed management criteria, with the proposed limits representing a proportionate reduction from the existing national speed limit.
"The proposals are expected to improve safety and accessibility for residents and visitors, particularly for children, older people, and other vulnerable users, while maintaining suitable movement for all classes of traffic."
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