Major changes to the flow of traffic on Gorleston High Street are being put out to consultation, with businesses largely welcoming the move.

Eastern Daily Press: Gorleston High Street.March 2016Picture: James BassGorleston High Street.March 2016Picture: James Bass (Image: Archant Norfolk © 2016)

A street-long 20mph zone and three single-lane pinch points would aim to make pedestrians safer after a Norfolk County Council report found 64pc of accidents in the area involved pedestrians injuries.

It also found although the two zebra crossings on the shopping street were well-used, there was not anywhere appropriate to cross in-between.

The 20mph zone would begin near the entrance to Priory Gardens, and extend to each exit from the traffic lights near Gorleston Library.

It would end slightly further down Baker Street, Lowestoft Road and Church Lane.

The three pinch points would be spaced along the main High Street.

Kevin Huggins, owner at Fusion Hair Consultants, welcomed measures to slow traffic down, but was not convinced the three proposed pinch points were going to help.

He said: 'Slowing down the traffic is a good thing and I'm all for the 20mph zone, but the road was built in Victorian times, it wasn't designed for giant coaches and double decker buses.

'Already buses often have to mount the pavement or only have 2ft to get past each other.'

He added that was already a dangerous situation and adding the pinch points would only make matters worse.

If the plans are approved work would be expected to start in February next year.

Businesses have until July 1 to air their views to the council, and Gorleston Traders' Association is also welcoming feedback on the proposals via email to kevin.fusion@btconnect.com