Bewildered bus drivers are catching flak from furious passengers - because of the number of road closures and diversions around the city.

Buses have been avoiding roadworks and closures, in part, due to the £32m funding by the government's Transforming Cities project.

But for some city bus drivers, navigating the road closures has brought with it some surprising criticism.

Norwich Evening News: Bus drivers around the city have been getting flack from angry passengers because of the roadwork diversionsBus drivers around the city have been getting flack from angry passengers because of the roadwork diversions (Image: Archant)

Mike Sands, city councillor for the Bowthorpe ward, said: "I was contacted a day or two ago by bus drivers who drive on routes around the city.

"At the moment many buses are on diversions and, at times, these diversions come unexpectedly being set up overnight.

"This causes all sorts of worries for passengers who are concerned about finding their way home while on diversion.

"What has become apparent is that some passengers are also stressed and, perhaps angry at the diversion, are venting at the bus drivers who are powerless when faced with diversion and have no choice but to follow the signs.

Norwich Evening News: Mike Sands, city councillor for Bowthorpe Ward and vice chairman of the Norwich City planning committeeMike Sands, city councillor for Bowthorpe Ward and vice chairman of the Norwich City planning committee (Image: Norfolk Labour Party)

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"I'm asking passengers to take this inconvenience in their stride however and avoid getting angry at the bus driver who is already dealing with the situation."

Disruption currently has been caused by the work at the Boundary junction and the closure of the Kett's Hill roundabout at the junction with Gurney Road.

Chris Speed, operations director at First Eastern Counties, said: "Our drivers have to adhere to the same diversions as everyone else and it can be challenging at times.

Norwich Evening News: Norwich bus station, in Surrey StreetNorwich bus station, in Surrey Street (Image: Newsquest)

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"It's concerning to hear that passengers' angst their frustrations towards our drivers at times about diversions.

"We ask that people respect our driving staff and recognise that they're doing everything they can to get people to their destinations as safely and quickly as possible adhering to the road network available."

Councillor Sands added: "Just about everyone in Norwich will have noticed these diversions or been thrown off course on their own journeys, but don't take it out on the bus driver."