Norwich traffic calming, sustainable Green Screens

Driver distraction can be a major contributor to accidents in busy areas, however, at busy junctions such as roundabouts there is also a temptation for drivers to attempt to read the road ahead and to rush to take advantages of opportunities they see. When they misread the road or misjudge the manoeuvre it can be a recipe for disaster. This situation becomes even more critical if the roundabout also incorporates pedestrian crossings, as many increasingly do. The city of Norwich is trialling a new sustainable green screens technique which may have a positive effect on both driver distraction and the habit of rushing roundabouts. The local authority has installed six-foot high Mobilane Green Screens on the approach to one of the city’s busiest roundabouts which will serve to restrict drivers’ views of the opposite carriageway as well as the roundabout ahead, and will encourage them to reduce their speed as they

accidents in busy areas, however, at busy junctions such as roundabouts there is also a temptation for drivers to attempt to read the road ahead and to rush to take advantages of opportunities they see. When they misread the road or misjudge the manoeuvre it can be a recipe for disaster. This situation becomes even more critical if the roundabout also incorporates pedestrian crossings, as many increasingly do.

The city of Norwich is trialling a new sustainable wall technique which may have a positive effect on both driver distraction and the habit of rushing roundabouts. The local authority has installed six-foot high Mobilane Green Screens on the approach to one of the city’s busiest roundabouts which will serve to restrict drivers’ views of the opposite carriageway as well as the roundabout ahead, and will encourage them to reduce their speed as they approach the roundabout.

Sustainable Green Screens

Unlike hedges, Green Screens do not require regular pruning or maintenance. The width of the screens is restricted by the natural growth of the ivy, and the screens are considerably narrower and are more dimensionally stable than hedges.

The installation of the Green Screens at Norwich has been managed by CityCare, which has been contracted to look after many of Norwich City Council’s outsourced public services since 2000.
Adrian Clark of CityCare, describes the installation of the screens; “The Green Screens were simple to install and they are growing very well. They provided an instant barrier after installation and are looking better all the time.