More than 400 people had opposed Norfolk County Council's 2022 installation of the 24/7 bus and cycle lane on the A140 Cromer Road and Aylsham Road in Hellesdon.

It had triggered concerns that the bus lane would increase congestion for other traffic and lead to more crashes, while shopkeepers complained their takings were down because parking was restricted when the lane was in operation.

But, in November 2024, the times the lane was in operation were cut by Conservative-controlled Norfolk County Council, from 24 hours a day, seven days a week to between 7am and 7pm each day, on an 18-month experimental basis.

That was because of a change in government guidance over bus lanes - which stated they should not operate when no bus services were running, or when traffic would not delay them.

The guidance also stated lanes should only be 24 hours when there are night buses running and there is "significant congestion".

A report produced by officers stated there had been monitoring of the lanes during the experimental order, which had been criticised by Norwich Cycling Campaign, and that the 7am to 7pm operating times should become permanent.

Officers stated: "The monitoring gathered has shown there are no clear disbenefits associated with 7am to 7pm operation when compared with 24 hours a day, seven days a week operation.

"However, it is noted the majority of bus services run at a greater frequency prior to 7pm than later in the evening and the majority of complaints received about the operation of the bus, cycle and taxi lane have decreased.

"There is no clear evidence that journey times on Aylsham Road were impacted and on Cromer Road, while journey times in the bus lane have increased.

"Making the experimental order permanent will mean public transport journey times and reliability will be maintained during peak hours of operation, thereby encouraging greater use of public transport."

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

Graham Plant, cabinet member for highways, transport and infrastructure, used his powers to confirm the permanent change.

The council plans a separate piece of work to review the junction of Cromer Road and Heather Avenue.

Monitoring showed 58 of 284 vehicles which were turning left out of Heather Avenue mounted the pavement.

© Norwich Evening News