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Dear Sirs,
With regard to the article in the JEP on the subject of speed limit policy in the island i have to question why a second investigation is being carried out just 18 months after the last report was published.
The current trend towards regularly decreasing limits, seemingly at random, bares no relation to scientific study and survey and is
generally brought about by the 'vocal minority' complaining at badly publicised parish hall meetings. For example i believe the 30mph limit across St. Clement was due to complaints from just 24 people (and the word from a single constable) from a population of many thousands What happened to the scientific method of the 85th percentile?
Also UK statistics show that less than 5% (only 3% if i remember correctly) of accidents have excessive speed as a major contributory factor so what is the basis of the 'speed = accident' viewpoint? The answer is improved driving standards through better testing, re-testing for the elderly and further training for current drivers with the
addition of measures such as red light cameras rather than speed cameras. Jersey, as a small island, is in a very strong position to
lead the world in improved road safety with better training and less focus on speeding. Even as a rider of a powerful motorcycle i struggle to reach the speed limit let alone exceed it in most areas of the island and the majority of close calls are caused by drivers pulling out
without looking and/or failing to obey the highway code. An experience that is frequently echoed by friends and colleagues alike
I hope that this second policy review may result in a road safety campaign that actually works for once.
Yours Faithfully, -Paul Ahier