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Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Island's speed limits, again. I am a motorist and cyclist.
My overriding view is that the current speed limits are, in the main, correct.
They are very simple: 40mph unless otherwise posted. This does not cause problems for locals or visitors.
I believe that the proposals will cause confusion, unless there is a proliferation of road signs.
There are a number of issues to be addressed:
If the change is adopted, how much will it cost?
(Numerous new signs would have to be erected and existing ones amended, including those actually on the road);
Books, pamphlets, brochures, leaflets etc would have to be reprinted, both in the private and public sectors. Existing stocks would have to be destroyed, which would add to the cost (how much?);
Information on websites (private and public) would have to be changed. How much is that going to cost?;
How would the proposed speed limits be applied on roads where there are intermittent white lines (it cannot possibly be proposed that a particular road as variable speed limits, which would add further to the confusion).
Other questions:
How much has the project cost so far, in man hours?;
If the proposal is approved, how many administrative man hours would be required to implement it?
With regard to the Green Lane speed limit, I have to agree that it is difficult to keep to 15mph, but in my experience as a cyclist and walker is that the vast majority of drivers respect the limit. If it were increased to 20mph, traffic is likely to travel slightly above that speed. The net increase in speed could, perhaps, be 10mph not 5mph.
I believe that any money spent on this project would be better spent on resurfacing the many roads that are in an atrocious condition. It is not only potholes, but utility company trenches that have not been properly repaired, for years in many cases.
Particularly bad are stretches of La Grande Route de Saint Jean, La Route de la Trinite. In addition the roads in St Helier are a disgrace, especially Gloucester Street and St Saviours Road near La Motte Street.
In addition many of the central white lines have worn away, as have yellow lines and triangles at road junctions. Many road signs are filthy and/or hidden in bushes.
I appreciate that most of the lanes are the responsibility of the Parishes, but many are in the same state as the main roads. Perhaps TTS could use some of their speed limit change budget to assist the Parishes?
My final 3 paragraphs are not directly related to the speed limit proposal but I believe that the Islands traffic needs should be prioritised to making potentially dangerous road surfaces fit for purpose' before embarking on other schemes.
Thank you for your patience in reading my longer than expected response. G Curtis