20mph limits and speed humps agreed for Low Road in Keswick

Motorists using Low Road in Keswick will not be allowed to drive any faster than 20mph, cut from its previous limit of 30mph.

Low Road in Keswick, at its junction with Mill Lane (Image: Google)

Along with slashing the speed limit, plans approved by Keswick Parish Council include adding speed cushions and a raised footpath along the rural road.  

READ MORE: Couple win planning battle to keep yurt on their land but now want to sell the site

It comes after neighbours have campaigned since 2022 for traffic calming measures to be introduced in the lane after fears were raised over reduced visibility and space.

Concerns were also highlighted that the route was being used as a rat run as a result of growing housing developments in neighbouring Cringleford.  

New speed limits, humps and a footpath will be instated along the road (Image: South Norfolk Council)

These were expected to get worse with the impending development of the Harford Triangle site, on the B1113 Main Road toward Tesco, which would bring more traffic through the area.

Keswick Parish Council representatives said at the time: "The road between the Reading Room and the junction with Mill Lane is very narrow and the proposed buildout at the Keswick Old Hall wall does not have good visibility.

READ MORE: Council's scheme to create 'traffic-free' route into city branded a 'waste of money'

"At the moment a vehicle has to manoeuver to practically the middle of the road by the wall before they can see if any traffic is approaching from the Mill Lane direction."

In January 2022 a safety inspection of Low Road by Norfolk County Council raised concerns about head-on collisions due to incorrect alignment of the tarmac. It also stated there could be a threat of pedestrians being hit with wing mirrors.

A 20mph speed limit will be introduced among other measures (Image: PA)

A painted footpath was then suggested to make the road safer for pedestrians and cyclists, but it was quickly decided that the road was too narrow. 

However, in a recent meeting where the scheme was discussed, a raised footpath between the Reading Room and Mill Lane was agreed upon, rather than the original proposal for a painted line.

New speed limit signs and gates were also approved. 

While no date has yet been given for work to start, it is estimated that it would take two months to complete once begun.