Driving instructor trains Norfolk motorists on 'different' roundabouts

A Norfolk driving instructor is offering free training for motorists on how to safely navigate successive roundabouts on the recently opened 12.5km A1270 Broadland Northway.

Figures from Norfolk police show that, out of 15 crashes that have resulted in personal injury during the last 12 months, 13 have been at or near one of the junctions of the renamed Norwich Northern Distibutor Road.

Locally-based instructor Martin Wright claims that roundabouts featuring three lanes instead of the conventional two are 'quite different in design from what people might be used to'. He cites planned repair works to damaged static signs and kerbs now underway as evidence of problems.

The town council of Thorpe St Andrew, which neighbours Norwich, has offered him a venue for the sessions, which will feature dash-cam footage captured by him as well as tips on 'defensive driving'. He hopes that other instructors in the county will follow his example.

A Norfolk County Council spokesperson told Highways that the roundabouts 'have been designed to national standards'. The authority is blaming some drivers for approaching too fast and crossing others' paths on leaving.

But it announced on 29 October that it is installing additional countdown signage, of the kind that have been introduced at two other roundabouts during 2018, at some of the A2170 locations and is 'tweaking' some white lines, following a review of long-term video monitoring. An additional western link to the A2170 is currently in the planning stage.