PRESS RELEASE : Statement over Cyclists and Pedestrians on Exchange Street in Norwich

The press release issued by Norfolk Police on 8 November 2022.

We know there’s been a lot of discussion about driver’s continuing to use Exchange Street in Norwich.

This road was turned into pedestrianised zone by Norfolk County Council in 2020 and the current order was put in place in June 2022 and is closed to motorised traffic between 10am and 4pm, seven days a week.

While we’ve carried out some enforcement, due to the numbers of drivers continuing to use the route, the current signage is not adequate.

We have raised our concerns with the highways team at Norfolk County Council who have reassured us they will be making improvements to signage to make it clear to motorists.

In the meantime, we are in discussions around further alternatives to help to ensure a higher level of compliance.

On Saturday officers dealt with a woman causing an obstruction of the highway which is an offence – and while cars shouldn’t be driving on the route – there are exceptions such as emergency vehicles on 999 calls.

We will seek to remove people from the highway for their own safety. We are aware some officers waved through vehicles already committed to the route and these officers will be given suitable guidance.