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25th February 2011 Dear sirs,
Review of Speed limits
We would both like to express our complete dissatisfaction at the proposed changes to the speed limits in Green Lanes. We believe that this proposal comes from car drivers, for car drivers and misses the whole spirit of the Green Lane concept.
We have used the Green Lanes throughout the island since their inception, either walking or cycling with family and friends. Whilst using these lanes we come across many people enjoying this unique network, both locals and visitors alike. In our opinion the Green Lanes contribute to the "community spirit" where they exist and should be encouraged, not eroded.
With the stated intention of TTS to reduce the amount of car journeys and get people out of their cars and onto public transport, cycling, or walking, we feel that there should be a concerted effort to fully review the network, with a view to extending it where practical. This could help facilitate "safer routes" to and from town to various parts of the island and could ensure safer routes are created at a much lower cost than the creation of dedicated cycle tracks.
Our experience of the cycle track around the airport perimeter is mixed. Linking St Brelade to St Peter for cyclists is to be applauded; however there is constantly glass on the track from broken bottles. The crossing at the airport is also an area for improvement. With this in mind, we avoid the track and take the longer route around, using the lane network although this requires crossing at busy junctions.
Some roads aren't necessarily suited to being green lanes and we view the bottom of Vallee des Vaux in this category. With some vision, a safe cycle lane could be created on this stretch of road (at little expense) along with sympathetic traffic calming.
Following the initial review, we don't feel that there is enough information on two key points: a) what impact would there be to the amount of traffic on existing green lanes should the speed limit be raised? and b) what is the value to Tourism from having such a unique selling point. Mindful of the fact that this network already EXISTS and can continue to be promoted particularly to our European neighbours.
On point a – we avoid green lanes when driving from point to point and will take a longer route around, however should the speed limit be raised then we and many others would revert to taking the short cuts that we used to.
We have heard in recent States debates that some Politicians find driving at 15mph hard to achieve. We would suggest that this puts into question their driving ability and perhaps DVS should include some driving on green lanes, as part of future driving tests to ensure that drivers have control of their vehicles.
Notwithstanding our comments on the Green Lanes, we do support the simplifying of speed limits on other roads and the introduction of a points system for motoring offences.
In closing we would urge the Connetables and parishioners of those parishes currently not taking part in the Green Lane network to be encouraged to review their Parish road network with a view to extending to achieve an all island network of green lanes. This would both enhance the offering to Tourists, with the added benefit of encouraging more people to cycle locally, thus reducing the amount of car journeys made.
Yours
Andy and Judy Jehan