A 30mph speed limit will soon be introduced across a town after a successful campaign following the death of a well-known man.
The 30 For Thetford campaign was launched back in August 2019 following the death of 72-year old Clifford ‘Cliffy’ James, after he was hit by a VW camper van crossing the A1066, Mundford Road.
The road, which is notorious for speeding, is one of many problem areas which currently have a 40mph limit.
But now, more than a year since Clifford’s death and with the help of Norfolk County Councillors Roy Brame and Terry Jermy, Thetford is set to become a 30mph town.
Mr Brame said: “I had known Cliffy all of my life. He came into my shop at least twice a week and he would say, ‘Roy, what can we do? We have to stop these cars from going so fast, it’s dangerous’.
“There wasn’t a week that went by he wouldn't come in and the next thing I know I was going to his funeral because of a speed related accident.
“There was no dangerous driving and the driver who hit him wasn’t breaking any laws.
"But I'm quite sure had 30 for Thetford been in place that would have given the driver 20 yards, which would have enabled them to stop.
“Between 30 and 40mph the difference in reaction time and stopping distance is incredible.”
The change has been made after Mr Brame and Mr Jermy put together their highways budgets from Norfolk County Council.
Now the A1066 Mundford Road, C148 Kilverstone Road, A1066 Hurth Way and part of the A1075 Norwich Road and C587 London Road will change to a 30mph speed limit.
Mr Brame added: “It’s really going to make a great deal of difference. I am ever so pleased. I didn’t think it would ever happen."
Mr Jermy added: “The simplicity of the '30 for Thetford' message will hopefully make it clear that the maximum possible speed within Thetford is 30mph, aside from those residential areas already designated as 20mph.
“We know that speed significantly increases the chance of being injured in a collision.
“We want to make Thetford's roads as safe as possible for all, not just cycling and pedestrians, but for other drivers as well."
The changes will be implemented at some point this year.
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