BACKGROUND TO QUIET LANES IN THE UK
Greenways and Quiet Lanes are two initiatives which aim to give better
mobility and access for people on foot, bike or horseback or for people with
disabilities.
Greenways
are designed for shared use and largely exclude motorized vehicles. They are in
and around towns, cities and the countryside.
Quiet Lanes
are minor rural roads, already lightly trafficked where extra traffic
measures will improve their attractiveness for non-motorized users. Both
initiatives are part of the Countryside Agency's transport work and will assist
integrated transport policies.
If you look at the CA
map you can explore the different Quiet Lanes schemes progressing in
England.
For Example:-
The Greensand demonstration site lies between 3 built up areas (Medway Gap,
Sevenoaks and Tonbridge) with a population of about 100,000. Most of the area is
within the Kent Downs AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) and Greensand
Ridge Special Landscape Area.
A quiet lanes initiative is being developed within the Surrey Hills Area of
Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), an area which covers approximately one third
of the County. The dangers and impact of traffic on the countryside has been
identified as the number one concern of people living in Surrey's rural areas.
Also, a review of the County's highway network for maintenance purposes is being
carried out including how the lesser trafficked roads at lower end of the
hierarchy can be maintained more effectively. Details of stakeholder
consultations can be found on their website.
Norfolk's Quiet Lanes is a partnership project between The Countryside
Agency, Norfolk County Council, Norfolk Coast Project, North Norfolk District
Council and Travelwise.
Pewsey Vale Quiet Lanes Project: Another excellent awareness raising site
clarifying the purpose and the process taking place near Devizes.
Worcestershire's aim is to make minor rural roads more appropriate and attractive for
those who are not in motor vehicles, and to make driving more pleasant for those
who are in motor vehicles. Quiet Lanes will enable all users to share the road
and enjoy their journey at a relaxing pace. This initiative will introduce
sympathetic measures and awareness campaigns to encourage everyone to use with
consideration for others.
The County is currently evaluating appropriate locations for Quiet Lanes,
taking a more strategic approach to develop a 'County Network Map of Quiet
Lanes' which will be implemented over the forthcoming years.
More Generic information including future policy concerning rural traffic
calming can be obtained from the CPRE. Traffic
Management PDF
File here.
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Quiet Lanes May 2001 Leaflet: Campaign checklist
Following successful campaigning by CPRE, the Transport Act 2000 gives new
powers to local authorities to designate Quiet Lanes in the English countryside.
This simple and attractive checklist explains how members of the public can
encourage lanes to be designated, and so promote a more tranquil rural
environment. Available free from the CPRE
by SAE.
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Campaigning for Traffic Calming: CPRE briefing; May 1996
A briefing paper to help local people campaign for measures to reduce the
impact of traffic in rural villages and on country lanes. Available
from the CPRE,
price £3.00.
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Losing Lanes to Lorries: CPRE Briefing August 1997
Country lanes are an intricate part of the English countryside. Yet heavy
lorries are damaging them and the villages they pass through. This dossier, the
outcome of a national survey of 45 country lanes, reveals the extent of the
problem and highlights future action needed. Available free from the CPRE
by SAE.
-
Lost Lanes August 1996
An investigation into the impact of rising traffic levels on England’s
country lanes. This detailed report, highlighting over 50 threatened lanes,
demonstrated how traffic levels on rural roads are already causing problems and
leading to the loss of country. Available free from the CPRE
by SAE.
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