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Dear Panel.
I have listened to, and read the various views on increasing the speed limit of Green lanes throughout the island and I have been thinking about the Minister's words on in a news item in mid January. He made no mention of the other users of Green Lanes, those who are not driving cars, vans or motor bikes. Vehicle drivers and motor cyclists can choose whether or not they drive down a Green Lane, Of course, if they live on one, they would be very aware of other lane users.
The Green Lane speed restriction is for the safety of walkers, riders and cyclists and the limit of 15 mph for all motorized vehicles is reasonable. Raising it to 20mph would mean that any collision would cause a greatly increased chance of serious personal injury or death. There is much medical research on speed differential and subsequent human damage. As it is many vehicle drivers, aware of the 15 mph limit, still exceed it and would surely do so if the limit were to be raised to 20mph.
Tourism Department will have responded to the Minister and want to keep the lower speed limit. It is a feature of Jersey and we know that it is very attractive to visitors worldwide. It is the quiet back ways of the island where there is a proper place for the walker and horse rider.
The width of many of the large cars and jeeps means that if the limit is raised to 20mph there is even less time to get out the way of these vehicles, many speeding, to avoid being squashed into the hedge or bank.
On a different tack, I live on a Green Lane in St Aubin, la rue du Crocquet. The majority of cars and lorries exceed the 15mph, and the ancient houses, many built without appropriate foundations, vibrate with the excess speed. One guest house has had repeated problems with damp, due to vehicle damage to the road surface.
On the other St Aubin residential hill, rue de Moestre, also limited 15mph, there are similar problems. These particular streets are well used by pedestrians, pavements are narrow, where they exist, and a higher speed limit would certainly endanger life.
In St Aubin is Le Mont de la Rocque with its tight bend, another 15mph lane. It is rare for the speed limit to be adhered to there, especially by the trademens working on the newbuild.
I call for policing of the speed limit on a regular basis – there is a lack of discipline and the Rule of the Law is frequently flouted. The increase in population and
number of cars has exceeded the method of law enforcement
On behalf of St Aubin Residents' Association and as a private resident of la rue du Crocquet, I request these opinions on speed and Green Lanes, be taken into account.
Yours truly,
Margaret Holland Prior, JP
St Aubin Residents Association