A bid to see the speed limit reduced on a major Norfolk road has been unsuccessful. 

Thurton Parish Council has been lobbying County Hall to see the speed limit through the village reduced to 30mph, down from 40mph. 

A Freedom of Information request submitted by this paper showed that the speed camera at Thurton had been triggered thousands of times over the last few years. 

However, Norfolk County Council has said it is unwilling to reduce the speed limit through the village.

The petition by Thurton Parish Council, supported by Ashby St Mary, Bergh Apton and Alpington with Yelverton councillors, sought several road safety improvements including a new pedestrian crossing, improved signage and solar powered lighting at bus stops along the road. 

Eastern Daily Press: Councillors wanted to see the speed limit reduced through the villageCouncillors wanted to see the speed limit reduced through the village (Image: Nick Butcher)They said: "We are deeply concerned about the number of road traffic accidents that occur on the A146 between Thurton and Hellington Corner, and the difficulty for pedestrians to safely cross the road to reach bus stops, Thurton school, the George and Dragon Pub, the village hall and playground.

"We want to try to prevent future serious injuries."

READ MORE: A146 by Green Pastures Nursery in Thurton to become 50mph

While County Hall said it would support the other road safety improvements, it refused the request to see the speed limit reduced to 30mph at Thurton and 40mph at Prospect Place. 

Eastern Daily Press: Thurton Parish Council wanted the speed limited reduced from 50mph to 40mph at Prospect PlaceThurton Parish Council wanted the speed limited reduced from 50mph to 40mph at Prospect Place (Image: Google Maps)A spokesman said: "To artificially set a speed limit too low can actually cause more safety problems as the difference in speed between the fastest and average speed of drivers increases. It can also lead to a lack of respect for speed limits in general.

"The current speed limits in these areas are appropriate."

Norfolk County Council has already agreed to reduce the speed limit on a section of the road due to the development of Green Pastures Nursery, near the Mill Road junction, which is said to have increased traffic.

However, this has not yet been implemented.