Newsletter Number Fourteen

October 2007
Quiet Lanes
Quiet Lanes are specially designated and signed minor rural roads that are appropriate to be shared by walkers, cyclists, horse riders and other vehicles, with the emphasis on sharing.


What is the aim of a Quiet Lane? To maintain the character of minor rural roads by seeking to contain rising traffic growth. What do we need to do to set up a network of Quiet Lanes?Department of Transport Regulations require:
Community involvement to encourage a change in user behaviour; Area-wide direction signing to discourage through traffic; Entry and exit signs to remind drivers that they are entering or leaving a Quiet Lane i.e. a place where they may expect people to be using the whole of the road space for a range of activities.
What don’t we want from Quiet Lanes? Unsightly urban traffic calming measures and signage. Signage is essential but it must be carefully thought through. To damage the local economy.

How are things progressing?
We have had some responses, almost always positive, from local residents and some local Parish Councillors.
We have had expressions of support from the B4221 Road Action Group.
Harry Bramer our County Councillor has expressed support.
The one concern that has been expressed is that we might create a false sense of security amongst road users thereby making our lanes less safe than they are now. We will bear this in mind.
Our next step is to obtain expert advice and we are meeting Mr Clive Hall from the Highways Department, Herefordshire County Council on 13 November 2007 to find out more about the Council’s developing policy on Quiet Lanes and whether it might be applicable in our area.

What can you do?
Continue to let us know what you think about Quiet Lanes being introduced in this area?
Are you in favour?
Are you against?
Where should it be introduced? Where should it be avoided?

Which routes might be designated Quiet Lanes?
This map is a first attempt at suggesting a suitable network of Quiet lanes. We propose that all lanes, be designated “Quiet Lanes” within the area bounded by the B4221 in the north; the B4222 in the east; the A40 in the south and in the west, the B4224 to Bromsash, the lane from Bromsash through Linton to the B4221 at Junction 3 M50.

We would like to hear from walkers, cyclists, horse riders and drivers what you think of this suggested network of lanes. Do you think this is a good or a bad idea and why? How could the suggested network of lanes be improved – tell us the alternative routes and why you support them?
Quiet Lanes certainly involve special – suitably rural- signage, and whilst not essential the CPRE suggests a 20mph speed limit. So let us know what you think.
Contact details are at the end of the newsletter.

We have been in touch with the long standing ‘Road Action Group’ which is seeking further safety improvements to the B4221 and we know that the Aston Ingham PC is pursuing concerns about the B4222. The Quiet Lanes Initiative can only be applied to undesignated roads so, it will be complimentary to the Road Action Group and the current work being done by Aston Ingham PC.

The Action Group leading the SoS campaign is chaired by Jane Bradney (01989 750862). Other members are Chris Tormey (01989 720861), Lesley Rackley (01989 720358). If you are interested in supporting any of the issues raised in this Newsletter or would like to join the group please ring Jane Bradney on 01989 750862. Alternatively visit our blog http://www.southherefordshiresos.blogspot.com/