Road safety lobbyists are calling for the 15mph speed limit along Ruette Tranquilles to be made mandatory by law.
The charities and community groups that make up the Guernsey Road Users Network say the suggestion that motorists should give priority given to more vulnerable road users on the Ruette Tranquilles network also needs to be legally enshrined.
“If we want all road users to enjoy and respect Ruette Tranquilles then the speed limit needs to be made mandatory so it is a punishable offence if 15mph is exceeded,” said Jennifer Merrett, Chair of GRUN.
“The current recommended 15mph is there to encourage users to navigate these narrow lanes cautiously but sadly some people decide to ignore the need to act responsibly which puts more vulnerable road users as well as themselves, at risk. There is also a failure to recognise and respect the hierarchy of road users, which promotes safety for pedestrians, horse riders, cyclists, and motorists alike.”
Roads and lanes on the Ruettes Tranquilles network are identified by green signs (pictured top) showing that they have a 15mph recommended speed limit.
They are not currently legally enforceable but if GRUN gets its way, motorists could be fined if they are caught exceeding the limit.
The Better Journeys Project – which is a member of GRUN – said fining people for going above 15mph might even put some motorists off using the lanes completely, making them even safer for other people.
“Ruettes Tranquilles offer significant benefits to all road users as they give the option for those travelling under their own steam to make their journeys in a safer and more pleasant environment than the busier arterial routes,” the active travel campaign group said.
“Now, after more than 25 years of successful operation, it is time to formally establish the advisory 15 mph speed limit and hierarchy of road users by law. This would reinforce the purpose of these routes as an option for safer, more pleasant travel and encourage motorists to use the main road network and avoid the temptation to use these routes as rat runs.”
The Ruettes Tranquilles network includes lanes near many schools and other locations such as residential and business communities.
“By making them safer with a clear 15mph speed limit and giving priority to walkers, cyclists, horse riders, and other vulnerable road users, we can turn these quiet lanes into the backbone of a healthier, greener island-wide travel network,” said the Guernsey Bicycle Group.
“With better signage and smart traffic calming, they could offer more people a real alternative to car travel—cutting congestion, improving air quality, and making it easier for everyone to get around safely and affordably. Let’s unlock the full potential of our Ruettes Tranquilles—for today, and for the future.”
Even the Guernsey Motor Trade Association is in support.
As an active member of GRUN, the GMTA said there is no reason why motorists shouldn’t be forced to slow down when using a Ruettes Tranquilles.
“As Ruettes Tranquilles are predominantly the narrower winding roads in the quieter areas of Guernsey, the GMTA see no reason why the current 15mph recommended speed limits could not be made mandatory, this is likely to have very little effect on anyone’s daily commute in the island”