A new approach to safety on rural roads was launched last week by Norfolk County Council at the start of a three-year £1.5m national demonstration project.
Measures to be trialled in an area of north-east Norfolk include:
· A new green de-restriction sign to warn drivers they are entering the minor road network
· Half-metre run-off strips at key points on fast ‘A’ roads
· Chasing chevrons on tight bends
· The removal or guarding of some trees and clearance of undergrowth
· Cutting sign clutter and enhancing the village environment
· Short, sharp village speed campaigns
· Targeting of motorcyclists, young and older drivers.
Three other counties - Devon, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire - have also been selected for the government funded demonstration project.
The project encourages the councils to explore innovative ways of improving safety on all types of country road - from fast and busy A and B roads to quiet lanes and byways.
Adrian Gunson, Norfolk County Council cabinet member, said: "Although a high proportion of serious and fatal accidents happen on fast rural A roads, they are dispersed throughout the network.
“A good proportion of these involve no other vehicle, and no obvious problem with the road itself, and may be the consequence of driver error at high speed. The measures we are taking aim to reduce risky behaviour by drivers, but also reduce the consequences of mistakes."
For further information contact John Birchall on 01603 224222.
