HOSPITAL staff and visitors are being put at risk by dangerous drivers using a road around the James Paget as a rat run. The road which circles the hospital is frequently used by residents from nearby housing estates as a short cut to avoid traffic lights on Lowestoft Road.

HOSPITAL staff and visitors are being put at risk by dangerous drivers using a road around the James Paget as a rat run.

The road which circles the hospital is frequently used by residents from nearby housing estates as a short cut to avoid traffic lights on Lowestoft Road.

In recent weeks there have been two minor prangs on the road and hospital bosses have received a number of complaints from staff and visitors concerned about the manner of driving.

And this week police were on site to drive home the message with speed checks on the road which has a 20mph limit.

David Law, traffic manager with Norfolk Police, said he hoped the action would improve driver awareness about the speed limit and safety.

He said: “Currently the road is being used as a short cut from the Beacon Park housing estate through to Brasenose Avenue so people can avoid the traffic lights outside the hospital.”

Mr Law added that traffic calming measures had been examined but he hoped that by working with the Magdalen Safer Neighbourhood Team and the Safety Camera Partnership, drivers would get the message.

A number of checks were made on Tuesday and yesterday by officers using SAMs (Speed Activated Monitors) and speed guns as well as stopping drivers to give advice. While police could not provide results on the speed checks, Mr Law said he hoped the high visibility measures would make motorists stop and think.

The hospital has been working in partnership with the police for the last month.

Nichola Hicks, head of support services at the James Paget, said: “Obviously safety on this site is our priority and we are pleased the police are using this high visibility approach to raise awareness of the 20mph speed limit and promote road safety.”

Meanwhile drivers speeding near schools in Bradwell are also to be targeted by police.

Officers from the local Safer Neighbourhood Team will also take steps in educating parents and pupils in road safety.

It comes after parents and staff raised concerns about road safety around Hillside, Homefield and Woodlands schools at the team's recent priority setting meeting.

Sgt Simon Fisk said: “While it's accepted the high volume of traffic at peak times cannot be stopped completely, people who are found to be driving or parking in a manner that puts children in danger can expect to be on the receiving end of fixed penalty tickets or court appearances.”