Shhhhh Quiet Lanes
There is a network of Quiet Lanes in Langley and Higher Sutton but it's not a secret ! The objective of the Quiet Lanes scheme is to make the countryside safer for everyone, walkers, cyclists, horse riders and those who may be particularly vulnerable. It does this through visible actions, signage, information & education. The Quiet Lanes scheme was developed by the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England and became part of the governments Transport Act 2000. Quiet Lanes aim to lower traffic speed through discreet road signs, encouraging drivers to slow down and consider other users who can then enjoy the countryside more safely. Quiet Lanes are a shared space with no individual user having priority. It is seen as to be self-enforcing by a continuous progress of promotion, so that all the community and visitors know Quiet Lanes exist.
Sutton Parish was chosen to be a pilot area for the scheme about 15 years ago and the lanes incorporated in the scheme, in our area, are denoted by oak posts which can be seen at the side of the road or lane.
On entering and leaving the area two posts can be seen situated either side of the road, with appropriate signs declaring " Quiet Lane".
Here these can be found at the bottom of Judy Lane in Sutton, the bottom of Ridge Hill, on the road travelling towards Langley from the Hanging Gate Public House and when entering Langley village, on the main road by Brighton Crescent.
Single oak posts with Quiet Lane signs then define the route through the lanes travelling along Ridge Hill, Meg Lane, Red Lane, by Ridgegate Reservoir, Clarke Lane and through Langley Village.
With the increased volume of traffic and visitors to our area the Parish Council are keen to promote and raise the profile of the existing Quiet Lanes,helping and encouraging all our road users, to be aware of others when travelling in this area.
Driving carefully, keeping speed down and proceeding with caution on our lanes will help to keep everyone safe.
We would like all users, walkers, cyclists, horse riders and those who are vulnerable to be able to travel along our lanes safely.
Helping everyone to enjoy our beautiful countryside with care and consideration will ensure the best for us all.
Everyone looking out for each other!
What is a Quiet Lane?
A Quiet Lane is a nationally recognised designation of single-track road (i.e. no line markings), typically with less than 1,000 vehicles using it per day. They are routes where visitors and locals can enjoy the natural surroundings and use them for activities such as cycling, horse-riding, jogging and walking. However, the idea is not to restrict motor vehicles on these rural routes, but to encourage considerate use of the road, so they can be shared and enjoyed by all.
Who can use Quiet Lanes?
Quiet Lanes are for everyone!
Is a Quiet Lane a traffic calming measure?
While a Quiet Lane encourages drivers to exercise caution when travelling along it to respect other users, it isn’t a traffic calming measure.
What’s the difference between a Quiet Lane, a bridleway and a Green Lane?
While a Quiet Lane is a single-track piece of road, both Bridleways and Green Lanes are unsurfaced. The difference between the two is that Bridleways are for walkers, horse riders and cyclists, while motor vehicles are allowed to use Green Lanes.
What does the Countryside Code say about Quiet Lanes?
The latest version of the Countryside Code can be read here.
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