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Dear Sirs
We write with reference to the proposal to increase the speed limit on green lanes from 15mph to 20mph.
Green lanes are currently the ideal routes for locals and visitors alike to enjoy walking, cycling and horse riding in relative safety. These lanes are often no wider than the width of a car, have little (or more often nothing) in the way of a pavement and are rarely the main or only thoroughfare to any destination. In many cases they are simply being used by vehicles as a short cut or in an attempt to avoid traffic on the main roads. In addition, human nature being what it is, very few drivers have total regard for speed restrictions in areas where they are unlikely to be caught. If the speed limit is 15mph the vast majority will travel at approximately 20 - 30mph as their conscience generally allows them an extra 10 - 15mph. If the speed limit on these lanes is increased to 20mph many of them will simply increase their speed to 30 - 35mph. As we are all aware, a small difference in speed can mean the difference between life and death.
We are the owners of a guest house in Rue du Crocquet, St Aubin which is currently designated a 15mph green lane. The street is narrow, steep and winding and in some areas the pavement is so narrow that people (not to mention parents with prams, or wheelchairs) have to step out into the road. In fact due to the narrowness of the pavements many visitors, walking back up to their various hotels and guesthouses in threes and fours (some with children) tend to wander up the centre of the street admiring the view and crossing from one side to the other to study the buildings on either side. With the exception
of some (but not all) of the residents of the street itself, very few people adhere to the 15mph speed limit. It is, in fact, used largely as a 'rat run' and most people drive through well in excess of 15 mph in an attempt to cut a couple of extra minutes off their journey. Apart from being extremely dangerous to pedestrians this excessive speed, in conjunction with heavy vehicles, has a detrimental effect on the cobbles which move about causing cracks and subsequent leaks which can affect the old listed buildings which border the street and which do not have the deep foundations of modern buildings. Over the last three years our guests' dining room has been flooded twice by rainwater and mud as a direct result of cracks emanating from the street. A third leak is just starting to make itself apparent in the boiler room.
We therefore respectfully request that serious consideration be given as to whether there is any real necessity to raise the current speed of green lanes from 15 mph to 20 mph. Some method of enforcing these speed limits, particularly
in streets such as Rue du Crocquet, would also be extremely welcome.
Yours faithfully
Annette and Fernando Cabral