Norfolk County Council's Strategic and Corporate Select Committee has asked officers to explore whether enforcement powers could be delegated downward to district and parish councils, after members raised concerns about gaps in local enforcement.

The discussion was prompted by complaints that motorists routinely ignore temporary traffic signs — a problem described as a significant local issue across Norfolk. Committee members noted that some town and parish councils were keen to employ their own enforcement officers, such as traffic wardens.

Officers agreed to refer the traffic signs matter to the Highways Department for further consideration. A report on the wider question of delegating enforcement powers to district level is expected to come before the committee at a future meeting.

The debate came as members also questioned a decline in enforcement activity by Norfolk Trading Standards. Officers said the drop in numbers was not unexpected and was not caused by any restrictions within the enforcement policy itself. They added that the department currently has a significant number of apprentices in training, which they expect will strengthen Trading Standards capacity in the future.

Members also noted that the Transport Select Committee in Westminster had recently recommended that the Government give local authorities stronger powers to tackle disruptive utility company roadworks — but that the Department for Transport had rejected those recommendations.

The committee reviewed Norfolk's Compliance and Enforcement Policy, which it is required to examine annually. It noted the policy as presented and agreed that the question of delegating enforcement powers would be added to the forward work programme for further scrutiny.