Locals in Hunstanton claim it will take them longer to drive to Cromer than to London if proposals to cut the speed limit on Norfolk's main coast road go ahead.

Norfolk County Council wants to cut limits from 60 to 40mph on parts of the A149 between Old Hunstanton and Sheringham.Eastern Daily Press: Holiday traffic backed up on the A149 through HunstantonHoliday traffic backed up on the A149 through Hunstanton (Image: Chris Bishop)

But Hunstanton Town Council fears the move will lengthen journey times and have a 'negative impact' on the emergency services, along with peoples' lives and businesses.

It has voted unanimously against the plans, which also include further speed reductions in some villages along the route.

Its mayor Mike Ruston said: "The time taken to get from Hunstanton to Cromer, a local destination, 40 miles away on the coast road could be up to two hours under the proposed restrictions.

"Compare this with travelling south and without exceeding speed limits a traveler from Hunstanton could reasonably expect to reach the outskirts of London [around 100 miles] in the same time."

Eastern Daily Press: Mike Ruston, mayor of HunstantonMike Ruston, mayor of Hunstanton (Image: Hunstanton Town Council)

The council says the A149 is a vital trunk route for local people and commerce coming to and from Hunstanton.

Mr Ruston said: "These speed restrictions will have a negative impact on their lives and businesses, whether it is the time to commute to work, or the need for deliveries to be made, or even more concerning the time it takes blue light services to respond and particularly ambulances to take emergency cases to hospital."

The town council is also calling for accident figures and statistics, to show the council's case for the changes.

Eastern Daily Press: Hunstanton is famed for its sunsets - as well as its summer tailbacks Hunstanton is famed for its sunsets - as well as its summer tailbacks (Image: Ian Burt)

It says without any such data there is no justification for the proposals and limits should be left as they are.

Nearby Brancaster Parish Council has also called for evidence which backs up the need for the reductions.

The county council has said surveys carried out along the route showed most drivers travelling at close to 40mph.

The proposals will be going out for public consultation later this summer.