Drivers that have been able to ignore a bus gate this week could be in for a shock after it emerged that changes to restriction signs were due to vandalism.

Access to Norwich via Trowse from Stoke Road through White Horse Lane is limited to bikes, buses and taxis between 8am and 9.30am on weekdays - with restrictions clearly stated at the junction.

However, the signs were obscured with grey paint in a manner that drivers could easily mistake as official work, at a bus gate that is monitored by number plate recognition cameras.

Norwich Evening News: A sign at the bus gate at Trowse which states restrictions to vehicular access between 8am and 9.30am on weekdays - Picture: Maya DerrickA sign at the bus gate at Trowse which states restrictions to vehicular access between 8am and 9.30am on weekdays - Picture: Maya Derrick (Image: Maya Derrick)

But Norfolk County Council were unaware of the issue until it was approached by this newspaper and has now confirmed the unofficial intervention.

A spokesman said: "The painting of the road signs is not a part of any ongoing Highways work and appears to be the result of vandalism.

Norwich Evening News: Both signs at the junction of White Horse Lane, Trowse have been obscured - but vehicular restrictions remain in place - Picture: Maya DerrickBoth signs at the junction of White Horse Lane, Trowse have been obscured - but vehicular restrictions remain in place - Picture: Maya Derrick (Image: Maya Derrick)

"Our Highways team are working to resolve the issue and drivers are reminded that road restrictions remain in place."

A previously notorious rat run, cameras were installed along the route in a bid to stop motorists flouting the access restrictions.

Kate Leggett, clerk of Trowse Parish Council, said: "We will make our own investigations and cannot comment further at this stage."

Norwich Evening News: Trowse village signTrowse village sign (Image: copyright: Archant 2013)

A woman working in Trowse, who didn't want to be named, explained how someone delivering to their business had been slapped with a fine for driving through White Horse Lane while the signs had been obscured on Thursday.

Norwich Evening News: The bus gate sign at White Horse Lane, leading toward Trowse - Picture: Maya DerrickThe bus gate sign at White Horse Lane, leading toward Trowse - Picture: Maya Derrick (Image: Maya Derrick)

She said: "I worry for school children and the elderly if people are racing through at that time.

"It's a cause for concern."

Chris Avey owns River Green Restaurant in The Street, which turns into White Horse Lane.

Norwich Evening News: Cars driving along Stoke Road, Norwich where it meets White Horse Lane leading toward TrowseCars driving along Stoke Road, Norwich where it meets White Horse Lane leading toward Trowse (Image: Maya Derrick)

He said: "The signs have been talked about in Trowse.

"It doesn't impact us as much as we're open in the evenings. We don't see as much rat running or an issue with traffic."