25mph limit in centres ‘good for pedestrians’

The group, which campaigns for better streets and public places for people on foot, is in full support of Environment & Infrastructure’s plan for reducing the limits in local centres to 25mph.

The group had been asking about the review of the island’s speed limits for many years.

‘It makes sense to slow down the traffic when entering these busy centres,’ said a spokesman.

‘L’Aumone is a typical example where you have the surgery, the Co-op Locale, a large housing estate and the dementia home all on a straight fast main road, which is currently 35mph.’

He added: ‘Our pavements tend to be very narrow. Pedestrians feel very vulnerable.

‘Speed limit research has shown that a pedestrian hit by a car travelling at 40mph will have a nine out of 10 chance of being killed. At 20mph, that pedestrian will have a nine out of 10 chance of survival.

‘Anything we can do to minimise this risk must be welcomed.’

Any concerns over bus timetable changes to allow for reduced speeds were dismissed by the committee.

An E&I spokesperson said: ‘Buses are already restricted to a 25mph speed limit on all roads so the changes to the speed of their vehicles won’t make any difference’.

But the proposal has faced criticism.

Guernsey Motor Trades Association president Robert Cornelius said: ‘We are in a three-pronged position.

‘We believe safety on the roads is paramount. However, safety within cars is increasing with emergency brake systems, cameras and radars.

‘And slower roads means the efficiency of cars will reduce, which will increase CO2 emissions.

‘Although the GMTA fully supports road safety, we are questioning whether all 81 of these changes are necessary.’

Mr Cornelius said that at slower speeds there was more stop-starting, which has a knock-on effect on the level of emissions.

‘As you accelerate, you burn more fuel, which means the miles-per-gallon gets worse,’ he said.

n A month-long consultation on the proposals is under way.

Plans showing the proposed changes can be found at www.gov.gg/yourviews or at displays located at Sir Charles Frossard House, Edward T Wheadon House, Beau Sejour and the Traffic & Highway Services offices in Bulwer Avenue.

Anyone wishing to comment on the proposals should do so either by emailing traffic@gov.gg or writing to Traffic & Highway Services, P O Box 145, Bulwer Avenue, St Sampson’s, GY2 4LR.

Responses must be received no later than Monday 13 August.