Putting up 20mph signs in residential areas is one thing - but getting motorists to actually slow down is another.
That is the view of Norwich Society vice-chairman Paul Burall, who has called on the city council to take a fresh approach to speed control in areas it wants to reduce the limit from 30mph to 20mph.
It comes as a council consultation on a plan to cut the limit on roads around Silver Road comes to end at midnight on Tuesday (August 1).
Mr Burall, who is chairman of the society's strategic planing and transport committee, said: 'The evidence is that around 80pc of motorists ignore signs saying 20mph.
'But there are other ways to slow people down and we're simply asking for the council to think a little bit more about it.'
Mr Burall said it was helpful to make drivers more aware that they were in a residential area, which could be done by planting trees and shrubs very close to a narrow road, or even installing seats or play equipment close by in the quietest roads.
He said: 'Another approach is to provide for cars to park herringbone fashion so that oncoming drivers worry about someone backing into their path.'
Mr Burall said the answer was not to simply install speed humps or chicanes, as these tended to lead drivers to slow down and speed up, increasing pollution and noise problems.
He said it was also important to be clear about the intended status of each road, as the best way to control speed in residential roads was considerably different from busier traffic routes.
Mr Burall said: 'We do hope that greater consideration will be given in future to using design measures to reduce speeds rather than simply imposing limits.'
Roads where the council is considering reducing the speed limit include Silver Road itself, part of Mousehold Avenue, Violet Road and Bellingham Court.
Roads to the immediate east of this area already have a 20mph limit, and most roads to the immediate west will also soon become 20mph routes.
The council declined to comment before the end of the consultation period.
Residents can have their say on the 20mph plan for the Silver Road area online at www.norwich.gov.uk, or by emailing transport@norwich.gov.uk.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here