A 20mph limit could be introduced on roads around a Norwich estate as part of a multi-million pound scheme to make streets safer for cyclists and pedestrians.

Eastern Daily Press: Map showing the Heartsease streets where 20mph zones are proposed.Map showing the Heartsease streets where 20mph zones are proposed. (Image: Submitted)

Norwich City Council has a £5.5m project, made up of £3.7m from the government and £1.8m of local transport and health money, part of which will be used to create what is known as the pink pedalway - an eight mile cycle route stretching from Heartsease to the University of East Anglia.

Consultation in areas which the route will pass through has now started.

The proposals which affect Heartsease will come under the spotlight at a public consultation event today.

Proposals for Heartsease include a new tree-lined avenue with separate cycling and pedestrian paths running through the playing fields between Sale Road and the towers, as well as a raised crossing to help cyclists and pedestrians to cross Woodside Road into Broadland.

On the proposal for 20mph limits on a number of streets, council officers say slower traffic speeds will help improve the environment with less air pollution and noise, helping to make cycling and walking more enjoyable.

That, they say, should encourage more cycling and walking and reduce the number of vehicles on the road.

Some traffic calming could be introduced and people living in the area will be invited to comment on roads where that might be needed.

Mike Stonard, Norwich City Council's cabinet member for environment, development and transport, said: 'It's important to us that residents and anyone else interested in these improvements get involved in the consultations so we can make informed choices as we move forward with the scheme.'

Today's event will run between 1pm and 6.45pm, at St Francis Parish Church Hall in Rider Haggard Road.

Project staff will be on hand to talk about the proposals.

People who are unable to attend the event or would like to submit comments separately can do so by emailing pedalways@norwich.gov.uk All comments must be received by 5pm on Tuesday, March 18.

A similar consultation event on proposals in Mousehold took place last week.

• Do you think more needs to be done around Norwich for cyclists and pedestrians? Write, giving full contact details, to Letters Editor, Prospect House, Rouen Road, Norwich NR1 1RE.