New traffic measures at an important gateway junction into a Norfolk town have been branded a "farce" after months of delays in completing the project have left them unenforceable.
County Hall is facing criticism from local councillors for the stalled bus gate scheme in Overstrand Road in Cromer, which has become the focus of frequent ridicule on social media by drivers in the town.
A new camera system - installed to catch motorists using the bus lane - was supposed to be in operation seven months ago but technical issues have meant the bus lane restrictions are currently not enforceable.
The Bus Lane in Overstrand Road, Cromer (Image: Google)
It has left North Norfolk District Council leader Tim Adams and Pat West, mayor of Cromer, to accuse Norfolk County Council of prioritising highway projects in Norwich, which has seen several major road revamps and new bus lanes installed within the same time frame of two and a half years when the project began.
Tim Adams, leader of North Norfolk District Council (Image: Newsquest)
"The fact it is still not in operation is laughable by this point," said Mr Adams.
"We feel we have been forgotten. I have been trying to get a response from NCC over why it has been delayed for months but these attempts have mostly been ignored.
"It looks like a farce to people and I think it is. Cromer is one of the top five traffic congestion hotspots in Norfolk, and really should be given more resources it needs."
Pat West, mayor of Cromer (Image: Newsquest)
Problems with the project have included the wrong SIM card being installed in the camera to transmit footage and new yellow box markings to deter drivers from obstructing the the road are yet to be completed.
Currently, a sign is in place informing drivers that the camera is not in operation.
This is causing confusion and leading some drivers to use the bus lane, according to Mr West.
"The situation is extremely frustrating. It is being used more and more by people as a shortcut, causing more congestion as it causes traffic lights to change," he said.
Heavy traffic on the way into Cromer (Image: Newsquest)
A Norfolk County Council spokesman has said the delays are due to enforcement cameras needing to undergo a "rigorous and lengthy legal process" before any restrictions can be enforced and that finding an appropriate position for the camera and confirming who is exempt from the restrictions have added to the delays.
"We hope that work will be completed and the site will be active again within the coming months," he said.
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