More radical approach to speed limits needed

The 35mph maximum has been around many, many years, when traffic moved generally much less safely than it does now. In any event it’s not properly enforced. Just look at the speeds of those prosecuted, in almost every instance at least 10mph above the limit. This in itself tells you the current limits are unrealistic. With the exception of a few idiots I believe most ‘speeding’ drivers are simply driving at what they perceive to be a safe speed for the conditions, i.e. volume of traffic, visibility etc.

There are many anomalies with the current limits. Tertre Lane in the Vale has a 35mph limit yet in places it is hardly wide enough for two small vehicles to pass.

Northside, Vale, is a wide road with good visibility, yet the limit is 25mph. This catches many people out.

In my view the existing limits should be scrapped in favour of new 20, 30, and 40mph limits, the latter reserved for the island’s widest and most open roads, such as Vazon coast road, and the road from the airport to L’Eree. Limits should be more strictly enforced with a 10% maximum allowance. Changes in limits should be painted on roads as well as signposted and there should be more liberal use of electronic speed indicators on roadsides to remind motorists of their speed.

These changes need not cost a lot of money, after all most of the signs are in place anyway. Most road users are sensible and adhere to speed limits as long as they are sensible. I am old enough to remember when the limit in Fountain Street was 12mph! Change is not always a bad thing!

watty@cwgsy.net