Speed limit in Colney Lane near Norwich could be reduced

People living near Colney Lane and Hethersett Lane are being invited to share their thoughts on proposals that could see the route reduced from the national speed limit (60mph) to 40mph.

The plans could see the speed limit in Hethersett Lane reduced to 40mph (Image: Google Maps)

The restriction would be imposed from the Hethersett Lane roundabout at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital to its junction with Norwich Road at the Hethersett end.

A Norfolk County Council spokesman said the plans are part of wider works "to provide a safer, greener alternative for pedestrians and cyclists".

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David Bills, South Norfolk district councillor for Hethersett, said he was "strongly supportive" of the initiative.

"Safety-wise this is definitely needed," he said. "People seem to think that because its a 60mph zone you have to drive at 60mph.

Lotus Training Centre (Image: Newsquest)

"But the law says you should drive at your limit, not the limit.

"I'm hoping this could help to calm things down a little bit."

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Locals have until October 26 to share their views with the county council.

The proposals come as Hethersett continues to be one of Norwich's fastest-expanding areas.

The village falls under the Greater Norwich Local Plan (GNLP) - a blueprint that could see up to 50,000 new homes in Norwich, South Norfolk and Broadland by 2038.

District councillor for Hethersett, David Bills (Image: South Norfolk Council)

Both the GNLP and proposals given the green light prior to its publication will see up to 1,375 homes built in Hethersett between 2018 and 2038.

In 2021, controversial plans for 200 extra homes in the village were approved. 

Persimmon Homes and Taylor Wimpey were also given outline permission in 2013 to build 1,196 homes on the north side of the village.