Hundreds push back on plan to cut speed limits on dozens of roads

Friday 30 June 2023

Up to 50 roads across the island could have their speed limits cut, if the Government gets its way – but more than 800 islanders are pushing back against the plan.

Earlier this month, the Government launched a consultation on changing speeds on roads in Trinity, St. John, St. Mary, St. Peter and St. Lawrence, which they said would help improve safety for cyclists and pedestrians.

However, the move sparked irritation among many islanders on social media – among them was Bradley Bechelet, who has since launched a petition against the change.

If the petition gets to 1,000 signatures, Ministers will be forced to provide a written response to the request. Petitions that reach 5,000 votes are considered for debate in the States Assembly.

Mr Bechelet said that while he was not opposed to making roads safer in certain spots, he felt that speed limits were being used as a "quick fix" by government.

He added: "People who speed will speed, regardless of the speed limit, because they just don’t care about the law."

"If they can give me reasons as to why it’s beneficial, I could agree with [introducing speed limits]. There is none of that."

He said that he had shared his petition in car enthusiast Facebook groups, where he managed to build momentum with signatures.

Which roads could have their speed limits reduced?

About 50 roads are affected by the government consultation. They are mostly located in the parishes of St. Mary, St. John and Trinity, but they also affect some roads in St. Lawrence and St. Peter.

St. John

The roads affected in St John are: Route de St Jean, Rue de Sorel, Les Charrières de Bonne Nuit, Rue des Servais, Rue de L’Etocquet, Rue au Temple, Melbourne Park, Rue de la Mare Ballam, Route du Nord, Route du Mont Mado, Les Clicquards, Pre des Chênes, Route des Issues, Les Tuiles, Mont Mado Lane, Rue de la Ville Guyon, North View, and Clos de l’Ecole.

St. Lawrence

The roads affected in St Lawrence are: La Rue des Sts Germains, La Verte Rue.

St. Mary

In St. Mary, the roads affected are: Rue Bechervaise, La Rue à Georges, La Chève Rue, La Rue ès Boeufs, Rue du Couvent, Jardin du Couvent, Rue du Rondin, Route de St Jean, La Grande Rue, Rue de la Rosière, La Rue ès Viberts, Le Clos de l’Arsenal, Rue du Douet, Petit Clos, Chemin des Hougues, and Rue de la Frontière.

St. Peter

The St. Peter roads put forward for speed limit reductions are: Mont Remon, Rue du Couvent, and La Rue ès Viberts.

Trinity

The Trinity roads affected are: Rue d’Asplet, Rue ès Picots, Grand Clos, Rue des Croix, Route d’Ebenezer, Rue de la Petite Falaise, Route de la Trinité, Rue Guerdain.