The signs at the junction of Salhouse Road and Atlantic Avenue, in Sprowston, near Norwich, were put in place by housing developers months ago.

30mph signs at the Atlantic Avenue and Salhouse Road junction were installed months ago (Image: Dan Grimmer)

But they were covered in black bin bags because the traffic regulation order changes needed to make them enforceable had not been made.

Norfolk County Council had said the legal process to secure that order - reducing the limit from 40mph to 30mph close to that junction - had been delayed.

But, in the meantime, drivers faced confusion over the speed limit, because the black bags covering the signs have repeatedly been removed.

Graham Plant, Norfolk County Council cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and transport (Image: Sonya Duncan)

However, the Conservative-run county council has confirmed that, following a delegated decision by Graham Plant, cabinet member for highways, the traffic regulation order is now in place.

The council said it means that, at the end of this month, the 30mph speed limit will come into effect.

A spokeswoman for the council said: "I can confirm there are no legal issues outstanding.

"The delegated decision has gone through and the request for the amended traffic regulation order has been made.

 "The new speed limit is due to come into effect at the end of March when the developer will be removing the coverings from the signs."

A new set of signs, covered in black bags has been installed on Salhouse Road, while the ones at the Atlantic Avenue junction are currently uncovered, with the black bags pulled off.

The new 30mph limit will apply along Salhouse Road from its junction with Woodside Road to the junction with Harrisons Drive.

People living near Salhouse Road's junction with Atlantic Avenue have long called for the limit along the road to be reduced from 40mph to 30mph.

They fear speeding drivers are making it dangerous for people getting off the buses and for pedestrians wanting to cross the road. 

© Norwich Evening News