Consultation Hub

In summer 2025 we asked for feedback on proposed changes to the A149 Hardwick Road which would see an inbound bus lane added. 

1. Concerns about increased congestion
   Several respondents to the consultation expressed concerns that the proposed bus lane could worsen existing traffic congestion in the area.
    
2. Limited public transport alternatives
   A number of respondents highlighted that there are few, if any, bus services available that would serve as viable alternatives to their current journeys. As a result, they felt the bus lane would not significantly encourage a shift toward more sustainable transport options.
    
3. Strong support from specific user groups
   The consultation data shows a high level of support for the proposal, particularly among taxi and private hire drivers. Many of these respondents indicated their support is conditional on being permitted to use the bus lane.

On point number 1, we are currently awaiting further traffic modelling, so we are fully and better able to understand the potential impact on general traffic. This new data will be taken into account when assessing how to progress with the project.

On point number 2, we have worked with local bus companies who are in support of the proposals. Lynx Bus posted on social media during the consultation that they thought the introduction of a dedicated bus lane could lead to “a significant reduction in journey times for our customers, particularly at peak time”. And that providing dedicated road space to buses “helps make bus services more attractive [to road users].” And that the reduction in journey times, increases in bus speed and subsequent improvement in punctuality would from these measures could lead to increased passenger numbers which in turn could potentially enable Lynx to  “offer more services in future.”

On point 3, the allowed use of any bus lane built will be assessed during the TRO process.

No final decision on this project has yet been made and any physical works associated with the project are unlikely to begin before Spring 2026. This timeframe is subject to both internal approvals and the successful completion of the formal Traffic Regulation Order process.

We asked for your comments on the proposed school term dates for 2026-27.

We received 23 responses in total.  Please see the results section and the attached analysis in the consultation report.

We have agreed the school term dates for 2026-27 and they are now published on Norfolk County Council's website.  Click here.

In October/ November 2024 we ran a public consultation about our plans to add a new bus lane and bus stops on Grimston Road as part of Norfolk County Council’s Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP).

Respondents to the consultation were generally in favour of the uncontrolled crossing and two new bus stops. The addition of pathways were well supported as good safety interventions.

The main objections raised to the scheme were:

• The scheme was a waste of public funding
• Concern over the proposed banned right hand turns
• There was not enough improvement to warrant changes
• The plans will cause more congestion to other road users or elsewhere on the highway.
• People would prefer bus laybys/pull ins to bus lanes
• An uncontrolled crossing would be unsafe

All responses were read and analysed and fed back to our design team. On the main objections, the following responses were given.

Concern over the proposed banned right hand turns.

Following the consultation, it was agreed that the right turn out of the Knights Hill hotel will be not be removed and will remain in place.

The scheme was a waste of public funding.

This funding has been allocated to Norfolk directly from the Department for Transport and can only be spent on improvements to local bus services. If the project does not go ahead the money will likely be given back to Government as it is ringfenced and cannot be used to support other frontline council services or wider highway improvements. Specifically, the National Bus Strategy aims to improve bus journey times and reliability which will be achieved by this scheme.

There was not enough improvement to warrant changes

The proposed design achieves the overall objective of improving bus journey times and reliability at this location when measured against current and future traffic flows.

The plans will cause more congestion to other road users or elsewhere on the highway.

The bus lane is an additional and dedicated lane for buses using space from the adjacent grass verge. The new bus stops are off the main carriageway and therefore an improvement on the current layout. Therefore, the proposed design will improve bus journey times and reliability with minimal impact to general road users.

People would prefer bus laybys/pull ins to bus lanes

The inbound bus stop is a layby and the outbound stop is within the bus lane therefore not affecting the flow of general traffic.

An uncontrolled crossing would be unsafe

Currently there is no safe area to use the bus facility or cross the road. The design has been subject to a safety audit that did not raise any concerns.

Work on the scheme is scheduled to commence in autumn 2025, more details can be found at www.norfolk.gov.uk/grimstonroad

We thank everyone who took the time to respond to the consultation.