Is this rural stretch of Norfolk road the shortest dual carriageway in Britain? 

At just 700 yards long - under the length of five football pitches - Tunstead Road, between Scottow and Tunstead, could well be a contender. 

The narrow country road off the B1150 North Walsham Road is said to surprise visitors who are unfamiliar with the area when it splits into two lanes - with the usual steel carriageway central reservation being replaced by a bank and a line of trees. 

The road's speed limit is the same as any other dual carriageway - but locals say drivers would be hard pushed to travel at 70mph.

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North Norfolk News: The dual carriageway, near Tunstead, NorfolkThe dual carriageway, near Tunstead, Norfolk (Image: Sonya Duncan)

North Norfolk News: The dual carriageway, near Tunstead, NorfolkThe dual carriageway, near Tunstead, Norfolk (Image: Sonya Duncan)

"It's a pretty rough road," David Wright, who owns a florist nearby in the village of Tunstead, said.

"There's no way you'd do 70mph because of the potholes, and you have to be careful because it's not very wide either. 

"You're lucky if you get to about 40mph."

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North Norfolk News: The dual carriageway, near Tunstead, NorfolkThe dual carriageway, near Tunstead, Norfolk (Image: Sonya Duncan)

North Norfolk News: The dual carriageway, near Tunstead, NorfolkThe dual carriageway, near Tunstead, Norfolk (Image: Sonya Duncan)

The origins of the obscure road are thought to be linked to the nearby former RAF Coltishall airfield, which opened in 1940. 

Locals claim the reason the road was split in two was so larger military vehicles could get to the base, as they were unable to get through the existing country lanes. 

RAF Coltishall closed in 2006 and the land was sold to Norfolk County Council (NCC). 

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"Most people are very sensible when driving on the road, but I've known people to go down the wrong side," Mr Wright added. 

"I think people are a bit surprised when they come across it. 

"I get customers who use the road to get into Tunstead who always say it's a funny little road.

"I've also known it to flood quite badly which can catch you out." 

North Norfolk News: The dual carriageway, near Tunstead, NorfolkThe dual carriageway, near Tunstead, Norfolk (Image: Sonya Duncan)

North Norfolk News: The dual carriageway, near Tunstead, NorfolkThe dual carriageway, near Tunstead, Norfolk (Image: Sonya Duncan)