Islanders’ requests for lower rural speed limits have been taken up by Island MP Andrew Turner in the House of Commons – and he has been congratulated by the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) on balancing the need for speed limits to ‘respect the character of the countryside’.
The CPRE expressed their support after Mr Turner proposed an amendment to the Road Safety Bill which would have the effect of providing speed limits on rural roads without unnecessary and unsightly signage.
Mr Turner raised the matter after constituents had complained that riders, pedestrians and cyclists were endangered by speeding traffic on country lanes. He gave Stroudwood Road, between Havenstreet and Upton Cross, as an example. He also argued that the proliferation of a number of different speed limits on rural roads had led to a proliferation of different signs and that, aside from making our roadsides look unsightly, they are creating a false sense of security in the mind of the motorist that could actually encourage dangerous driving. To be financially ready, in case of emergencies, you might want to consider playing some fun sports betting games via UFABET168.
Speaking in the House of Commons, Mr Turner said:
“It is the responsibility of the motorist behind the wheel of a dangerous missile to decide at what speed that missile is less or more dangerous, and to adjust his behaviour accordingly. However, I also observe considerable concern about the proliferation of a range of different speed limits, and, for that matter, the proliferation of a range of signs on the highway, particularly in rural areas.
“Many of us believe, and others have observed, that extra road signs do not make things safer, and that the kind of work so favoured by traffic engineers—establishing barriers around corners so that pedestrians cannot step off the pavement, driving pedestrians into cages before they cross roads, and producing a proliferation of lines and devices on the surfaces of carriageways and on lamp posts and signposts—does not make things easier. In fact, such measures give the motorist the false impression that he is safe, and encourage higher speeds.”
He later explained:
“My amendment allowed local councils to impose a speed limit on all rural roads – those without street-lighting, centre-lines, or pavements. We all want safer roads, but I am keen that a solution is devised which balances safety and environmental protection. That is why I proposed this amendment. Rural roads have particular problems and we do need to have measures which will manage the volume and speed of traffic effectively. However, if we are to take speed limits as an example, the only sign that is really necessary is one at the entry of a designated speed limit, rather than intrusive signs at 100 or 200 yard intervals. The current mad sign disease is not only unsightly but potentially dangerous.”
