Plans to ease parking congestion caused by high tides in two of the most exclusive villages on the north Norfolk coast have been watered down.

Locals in well-heeled Brancaster and Brancaster Staithe had been hoping the proposals would ease the congestion caused by the annual invasion of tourists. 

Plans were drawn up two years ago for double yellow lines along the main A149 and a residents-only parking area.

But now Norfolk County Council is about to begin consultation over single yellow lines and seasonal restrictions instead.

Brancaster Parish Council chair Tom de WintonBrancaster Parish Council chair Tom de Winton (Image: Chris Bishop)

Tom de Winton, chair of Brancaster Parish Council said: "It's a road traffic order consultation, which has been watered-down from the original proposals, it's much-reduced in scale.

"There are going to be no residents' parking schemes, it's an attempt to try to control the traffic flow between Brancaster and Brancaster Staithe at peak, busy times."

Issues arise when high tides prevent people using Broad Lane, which is prone to flooding, to access the beach car park and cover The Hard at Brancaster Staithe.

The picturesque harbour at Brancaster StaitheThe picturesque harbour at Brancaster Staithe (Image: Chris Bishop)

Electronic signs will also be installed to warn drivers when Broad Lane is set to flood.

Visitors to Brancaster and Brancaster Staithe soared during the Covid staycation boom. Locals formed a safety team to try to ease the gridlock.

Brancaster Parish Council carried out a parking survey in 2021. It said it was clear at the time that most people wanted restrictions.

But of 69 people who took part in a second survey last year, around a third said they did not want double yellow lines.

Traffic queueing on a summer's day at BrancasterTraffic queueing on a summer's day at Brancaster (Image: Supplied by Amy Loose)

"We now feel we can go forward with a plan which may not have to have too many amendments and do the job," said Mr de Winton.

Plans to cut the speed limit from 60 to 40mph on the A149 between Hunstanton and Sheringham were also scrapped last year after an outcry from communities.

The changes would have meant it would take longer to drive to Cromer than to London from Hunstanton.