E&I’s utopian traffic strategy is the problem

Apparently this is ‘in the interests of safety’, though no evidence has been presented to demonstrate a safety problem on any of these roads, and one can but conclude that this is yet more of the utopian strategy to persuade us all to climb onto pushbikes. This will obviously tie in with those wonderful bike stands that have replaced parking places all around Town, most of which have yet to welcome a single bike.

It would be nice if Environment actually did something useful to the environment by raising the limit to 40mph on the bigger main roads so that cars could cut their emissions by changing up into a more fuel-efficient gear. Instead their focus is on creating traffic gridlock so that we will all happily abandon our cars.

Keeping traffic moving so that islanders can get on about their business is definitely not on their agenda.

M. J. TIDD,

La Retraite,

Ruette Rabey,

St Martin’s.

Editor’s footnote: A spokesman for Environment & Infrastructure replies:

Thank you for the opportunity to respond to this correspondent’s letter.

The Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure is proposing to introduce or extend 25mph speed limits to broadly cover all Local Centres and Main Centre Outer Areas, as identified in the Island Development Plan. These areas have been identified as community focal points where there is a higher concentration of residential properties, schools or amenities.

By reducing the speed limits in these more densely populated areas, the committee considers it will make the roads safer for vulnerable road users and encourage more people to walk and cycle, especially when undertaking shorter journeys, which will improve health, enhance the environment and minimise pollution, which accords with the vision for travel on the island as contained in the Integrated Transport Strategy.

The committee believes all of these outcomes should enhance islanders’ experiences and quality of life and is building upon the existing lowered speed limits already in force within local and main centres on the island.

The committee welcomes feedback on these proposals, which focus on the safety and wellbeing of all road users in a number of key areas around the island. Once the consultation process is complete, all responses will be taken into consideration before any final decision is taken with regard to any subsequent amendment of speed limits.

I should also like to take the opportunity to correct a number of factually incorrect observations in your correspondent’s letter. Firstly, the final cost of the road safety measures implemented at Salerie Corner was actually £114,293 and not £180,000 as incorrectly stated. These works have made a significant improvement to cycling infrastructure at this location.

Secondly, your correspondent alleges that most of the newly installed bicycle stands in Town have yet to welcome a single bicycle. The volumes of bicycles currently using the expansive covered cycle parking on North Beach and the areas outside the Thomas De La Rue and by the Picquet House will testify differently.

n The speed limit consultation ends on Monday 13 August. Anyone wishing to comment on the proposals should do so either by emailing traffic@gov.gg or writing to Traffic & Highway Services, PO Box 145, Bulwer Avenue, St Sampson’s, GY2 4LR.