Is this the most lawless street in the city?

It is rather pretty, quaint and houses two of Norwich’s most prestigious restaurants.

But Orford Street is a hive of criminal activity – well, illegal driving.

Motorists are regularly caught using the pedestrianised street to bypass the bollards that block off Red Lion Street and Farmers Avenue.

Cars are still using the road as a cut-through - despite the large volume of fines already handed out this yearCars are still using the road as a cut-through - despite the large volume of fines already handed out this year (Image: Newsquest)

In just a 16-week period nearly 70 drivers were fined for using Orford Street as a cut-through.

Jamie Osborn, Green Party councillor for the Mancroft ward, welcomed the fines and said that the number of drivers flouting the law was putting pedestrians at “risk”.

Between January and April this year, Norfolk Police issued penalties to 68 drivers caught using Orford Street.

Seven of these motorists are also facing further legal action.

Jamie Osborn is a Green Party councillor for Mancroft ward - which includes Orford StreetJamie Osborn is a Green Party councillor for Mancroft ward - which includes Orford Street (Image: Denise Bradley)

Cllr Osborn welcomed the enforcement saying that pedestrianised zones were good for city centre businesses.

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He added: "Shopping districts such as the city centre where people don't have to worry about cars are great for the local economy, with increased footfall.

"Having these business-friendly zones requires motorists to follow the rules, as the majority do.

Signs clearly mark that the area is a pedestrian zoneSigns clearly mark that the area is a pedestrian zone (Image: Newsquest)

"So it is a shame that a handful of drivers flout the laws and put pedestrians at risk by driving where they shouldn't.

"Everyone should know that driving into pedestrian areas in the city centre is illegal.

"It is encouraging to see the police are taking action on this illegal driving and supporting businesses in the process, especially since this kind of traffic enforcement requires minimal police resources.

Cars have been driving down the pedestrianised streetCars have been driving down the pedestrianised street (Image: Denise Bradley)

"I hope to see more of this positive approach to prevent anyone flouting traffic laws that exist to keep people safe and support vibrant shopping streets."

Drivers were punished under a range of offences, including driving in a pedestrian zone and causing an unnecessary obstruction.

Norfolk police was approached for further comment, but have not responded.