Limits to country travelling (From Gazette Series)

Limits to country travelling

9:00am Saturday 24th March 2007 in News By Gazette reporter

A SPEED and weight limit has been introduced to country roads around Coalpit Heath and Westerleigh to safeguard users and the tranquillity of the area.

South Gloucestershire Council launched the 'quiet lanes' scheme in response to road users' concerns over the speed of traffic around the lanes.

The quiet zone, which features a 30 mph speed limit and a 7.5 tonne weight restriction, is on lanes around Kendlshire, Ramhill and Henfield.

It is hoped the scheme will slow cars down and ban larger lorries to make the lanes more user-friendly for walkers, cyclists, horseriders and local residents.

Former Westerleigh parish councillor Bob Ross led the campaign for safer rural roads in the area.

He said: "The big idea has been to pioneer a new approach to safer country lanes by identifying a clearly defined area of essentially rural character, and to seek ways of preserving it for the special benefit of all those who wish to enjoy it safely on foot, on horseback, or by bicycle.

"This is an area which is rich in wildlife, sites of historical and archeological interest, and leisure facilities, as well as being an area from which many children should be able to walk safely to school, and which should be a valuable educational resource."

Signposts displaying the speed limit have been made from locally sourced materials to enhance the rural character of the area and reflect the local heritage.

The next phase in the scheme will see gateways introduced to signal to traffic that they are entering the 'quiet lanes' zone.