Review of Speed Limit Policy - P.Troalic - Submission - 31 January 2011

Hello

I have spoken to several people and watched the letters column in the JEP with interest about the subject of "speed limits on Jersey roads".

Regrettably as seems to be the case in most matters up for discussion in the States, our politicians are completely out of step with what the public feels are important issues to spend time and money on.

We already have a plethora of different speed limits throughout the Island - some are justified, some are not. What we do have to accept is that people want to use their cars so provision must be made for this. Sadly the States have still not imposed the necessary restrictions on new builds ensuring that parking is made a compulsory part of the permit. Too many buildings have been allowed with little or no parking being stipulated. This is wrong in most people's view.

But back to the subject of speed limits.

Naturally the object is to keep traffic moving safely but this must not be to the detriment of the pedestrain nor create a danger for other road users. It is easy to see many areas where improvements should be made which will allow flow of traffic but provide added safety to pedestrians and avoid accidents.

1. the bottom of Mont Felard with its 6 arteries of traffic. Allowing traffic to be able to turn across the flow to proceed up Mont Felard from St Helier direction or to turn across the west flowing traffic to proceed into Rue de Galet is an accident waiting to happen. Notwithstanding the risk of traffic in a hurry trying to pass on the inside whilst others are turning into Rue de Galet. This "junction" needs a "give way" arrangement.
2. the junction at Longueville. Thesame applies here as at Mont Felard. You proceed here at your risk.
3. the 20mph limits in areas that are not Green Lanes is a nonsense. Of course we would all like everyone to drive at 20mph past our house but it is a little unrealistic in this day and age. Cars do not travel comfortably at this speed. If you do not want cars inan area then ban them completely.
4. the junction at the top of Pierson Road is very unclear. There is a dotted line at the end of Pierson Road which (inmy opinion) should signify vehicles to stop and give wayto the traffic proceeding along the bottom of People's Park or to slow down and proceed with caution.

They do not. Most drivers think it is a filter in turn and will push their way in if they can. There is no signage to indicate which is correct.

5. the junction at the top of the Parade is another instance of total confusion. According to my driving instructor, traffic proceeding from Rouge Bouillon and turning into the Parade have right of way on the left side; whilst traffic coming down from Cheapside have right of wayat alltimes to proceed in the right lane going down the Parade. How are people supposed to know this? Most vehicles coming from Rouge Bouillon want to go over to the right!!
6. the little "smileys" telling us what speed we are doing are perfect (in my view). Theyshow a certain tolerance but are quite clear in what they display. We need more of these. They are a quiet reminder to us all of our speed.
7. there are too manydiverse speed limits. One is never quite sure if it is 20, 30 or 40mph. Sorry but confusing drivers and then fining them for speeding is not honest and upfront.

Yes we need a clear policy on speed. But the argument to impose further restrictions, fines and points holds no water when there are so few fatalities and confusion for the road users. Quite frankly the proposals by our Transport Minister are a joke and we can all see that it is devised as another tax. I think some clear thinking is required here and some commonsense before we go further down the route of doing everything that the UK does. They are not viewed as particularly clever.

Paul Troalic