Public Back Lower Speed Limits On Country Lanes

86% of people think the national speed limit should be 40mph or less for country lanes.

This is according to a new MORI poll{1}, commissioned by the Council for the Protection of Rural England (CPRE){2} and published on the day (Wednesday) the Government is holding a special seminar to discuss its national Speed Policy Review{3}. CPRE is campaigning for the national speed limit on country lanes to be reduced from 60mph to 40mph.

The poll also reveals that 57% of people do not feel safe on country lanes. This supports CPRE's own research published last month{4}.

Paul Hamblin, CPRE's senior transport campaigner, said:

'Speeding traffic is robbing the countryside of its character, intimidating walkers, cyclists and riders, and putting people's lives in danger. The majority of the public, of whatever political persuasion{5}, car owners or not, and from both town and country, back lower speed limits for country lanes.

'There is a strong desire to make country lanes safe{6} once again and we hope the Government will make the popular choice and reduce speeds on country lanes in its policy review.'

A national reduction in the speed limit for country lanes would provide relief from speeding traffic without cluttering the countryside with new signs. Over 160 MP's have signed a Commons motion by Peter Bradley MP calling for greater protection for country lanes and villages from speeding traffic.{7}

Paul Hamblin concluded:

'For many of England's towns and villages relief from speeding traffic cannot come too soon. Ministers have the perfect opportunity to send a signal to drivers that country lanes are for the use and enjoyment of everyone, whether in a car, on foot, cycle or horseback - and they will win widespread public support.'

Notes

{1}. The poll by MORI involved questioning 2,098 adults in face-to-face interviews in respondents' homes between 23-26 July 1999. This was before CPRE launched the results of its own Rural Traffic Fear Survey in August which highlighted how speeding traffic intimidates walkers, cyclists and riders on country lanes.

{2}. CPRE is a national charity that helps people protect their countryside where there is threat, to enhance it where there is opportunity, and to keep it beautiful, productive and enjoyable for everyone. Our Patron is Her Majesty The Queen. We have 48,000 supporters, a branch in every county, eight regional groups, over 200 local groups and a national office in Westminster. CPRE is a powerful combination of effective local action and strong national campaigning. Our President is Prunella Scales.

{3}. The national Speed Policy Review is being lead by the Minister for Road Safety, Lord Whitty and will examine existing speed limits, the Government's policy on managing speed, and the relationship between speeding and other Government policies and targets. The Seminar has been organised by ROSPA for the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions and will be held at the Hyatt Carlton Tower Hotel, London. Lord Whitty will chair the seminar. Paul Hamblin is available for interview at the seminar by prior arrangement.

{4}. CPRE published the results of its Rural Traffic Fear Survey on 25 August 1999. The survey, undertaken by local volunteers involved questioning over 1,000 people in rural areas about their experiences on country lanes.

{5}. According to the MORI poll, 86% of people intending to vote Labour, 88% of Conservative voters and 91% of Liberal Democrat voters think the national speed limit should be 40mph or less for country lanes.

{6}. Throughout 1999, CPRE is running a Safer Country Lanes for All campaign which aims to protect country lanes and villages from the effects of speeding traffic. CPRE is calling for the introduction of lower speed limits on country lanes, and new powers to enable local authorities to designate 'quiet lanes' where walkers, cyclists and horse riders have legal priority over motorised traffic.

{7}. Peter Bradley MP (Wrekin) tabled Early Day Motion 348 in the House of Commons which calls on the Government to introduce legislation to lower speed limits on country lanes, introduce speed restrictions through all villages, and provide new powers for local authorities to designate 'quiet lanes'. It has received all party support.