People power has led council bosses to agree traffic can use a controversial £400,000 city bus lane at certain times.

And it could mean restrictions stopping drivers entering other bus and cycle lanes across Norfolk also change.

More than 400 people opposed Norfolk County Council's 2021 installation of the 24/7 bus and cycle lane in Cromer Road and Aylsham Road in Hellesdon.

The controversy has continued, with locals worried the road has become more dangerous.

Shopkeepers also claimed takings have fallen because on-street parking was stopped to allow the lane.

A review was triggered after former Norwich North MP, Conservative Chloe Smith, plus district and county councillor Shelagh Gurney, raised concerns.

Shelagh Gurney, who represents Hellesdon on Norfolk and Broadland councils raised concerns about the bus laneShelagh Gurney, who represents Hellesdon on Norfolk and Broadland councils raised concerns about the bus lane (Image: Sophie Wyllie)

It found bus journey times and reliability improved, while accident rates fell.

But new Department for Transport (DfT) guidance, issued in the spring, stated bus lanes should not operate when no bus services were running, or when traffic would not delay them.

It also stated lanes should only be 24 hours  when there are night buses running and there is "significant congestion".

That prompted County Hall to make a change to the Cromer Road and Aylsham Road bus lane on an experimental basis for 18 months - so it only runs from 7am until 7pm each day.

Other traffic will be able to use it outside of those times.

The scheme will be monitored and findings used in a review of all bus and cycle lanes in Norfolk, which could spark further changes.

Graham Plant, Norfolk County Council cabinet member for highways, transport and infrastructureGraham Plant, Norfolk County Council cabinet member for highways, transport and infrastructure (Image: Norfolk County Council)

Graham Plant, the county council's cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and transport, said: "The benefits that have come from the implementation of the bus lane fully align to our local transport plan, including time savings and improved reliability for buses travelling into Norwich as well as improved safety.

"However, given the weight of local concern, and new DfT guidance, we have made the decision to change the hours of operation on both sections of bus lane to 7am to 7pm."

He said it would help shape future policy around Norfolk bus and cycle lanes.