Action group calls for 15mph speed limit

A Guernsey action group has started a campaign to introduce a 15mph speed limit on some of the island's narrower routes.

There is currently a recommended 15mph speed limit for users of Ruettes Tranquilles but the Guernsey Road Users Network (GRUN) has said it wanted this limit to become mandatory.

GRUN's chair Jennifer Merrett said: "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."

The BBC has approached the States of Guernsey for comment.

Ruettes Tranquilles are narrow lanes on the island intended for shared use by pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders, and motorists.

Ms Merrett added: "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."

Several other action groups and community groups on the island have joined the campaign.

The Better Journey Project, a community initiative that promotes sustainable travel​ across the Channel Islands, said: "It is time to formally establish the advisory 15mph 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."

Road safety charity Living Streets Guernsey added: "With lanes often only just wider than a car and few, if any, escape routes, pedestrians and animals are left dangerously exposed if vehicles do not stick to the recommended 15mph.

"Reports of near misses and pets narrowly avoiding tragedy are far too common."

Robert Cornelius, president of the Guernsey Motor Trade Association (GMTA), said: "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."

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