Swaffham still waiting to become Norfolk's first 20mph town

Swaffham is still waiting for a trial to begin, which will see the blanket speed restrictions put in place for six months. 

Officials hope the project will help improve safety for road users and pedestrians whilst also tackling air pollution levels.

However, such schemes have proved controversial. The recent decision to reduce speed limits from 30mph to 20mph in all built-up areas in Wales has prompted protests, with critics claiming it represents another 'anti-motorist' measure, similar to other traffic schemes, like London's Ulez.

A lorry passes the Buttercross in Swaffham (Image: Sonya Duncan)

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But the uncertainty over when it will begin has left Swaffham mayor and town councillor Stewart Bell frustrated at the lack of progress.

He said: "It is frustrating that it has taken a while.

"Only the other day I saw a motorcyclist travelling about 40mph through town.

Mayor and town councillor Stewart Bell (Image: Swaffham Town Council)

"We hope it will create a safer environment for people and providing it is enforced properly then I think it will be a success.

"Currently there is nothing we can do but wait for Breckland Council and Norfolk County Council to finish organising it."

The 20mph trial would see a blanket restriction put in place across Swaffham town centre (Image: Sonya Duncan)

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There remains no confirmed start date of the trial but Norfolk County Council has said it is still due to take place and more details will be given later this year.

If successful, the scheme could pave the way for 20mph speed limits to be introduced in other Norfolk towns.

Campaigns calling for them have been launched in King's Lynn, Brandon and Wisbech, as well as the villages of Aldborough, Barnham Broom and Roydon.

Swaffham's traffic issues have come under the spotlight in recent days after town councillor Jill Skinner called for restrictions similar to low traffic zones in other parts of the country to be introduced.

The proposal would see lorries banned from travelling along the A1065 through the town which is a busy route that links south west of the county with the north Norfolk coast.