‘We’re watching you!’ Go-ahead for camera to catch rat-runners at Norwich junction

Brazengate at the junction with Queens Road, where changes are planned. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)

Changes to improve the yellow pedalway, which connects Norwich International Airport to Lakenham, are proposed for Brazen Gate and All Saints Green, near to Queens Road, and will now start early next year.

The scheme would include:

• New mandatory and advisory cycle lanes in Brazen Gate and a southbound advisory cycle lane on All Saints Green, between the junctions with Surrey Street and Queens Road.

• A new camera to enforce the existing bus gate at Grove Road, to allow use by buses only from Grove Road to Brazen Gate between 7.30am and 9.30am Monday to Friday.

Bert Bremner (Image: Archant)

• Removal of the traffic lights at the Surrey Street/All Saints Green junction

• 'Early release' traffic signals with camera detection for cyclists at the Brazen Gate and All Saints Green junctions with Queens Road.

• Moving the traffic light controlled crossing on Brazen Gate, so it would be nearer the Sainsbury's entrance and a new zebra crossing further down Brazen Gate.

The changes were agreed by the Norwich Highways agency committee, made up of city and county councillors, today.

Bert Bremner, Labour city councillor, was pleased the bus gate would now be enforced by camera.

He said: 'An enforcement camera is needed there and we have been asking for that for a very long time.

'That will protect the area and restricts it from becoming an enormous rat run.'

Consultation over the changes was carried out in the summer, with 30 responses received.

Nine of those who responded were in support, either unreservedly or with some concerns.

Three objected to the principles, while others were in favour of some aspects, but against others.

The work is the latest part of the Transport for Norwich project, which has seen work on roads such as Golden Ball Street, Rouen Road, Ber Street, Farmers Avenue and Westlegate.