QUIET LANES
In the mid-1990's, CPRE Norfolk requested that the County Council
set up a Quiet Lanes initiative. In 1998 the Council made a successful
bid to the Countryside Agency to work in partnership on a Quiet
Lanes national pilot project, the first in the country.
Baseline studies were carried out in 1998/99. During 1999/2000
the main thrust of the programme was set in motion. The pilot
area selected was in north-east Norfolk, in the triangle bounded
by Cromer, North Walsham and Mundesley. A public engagement process
was launched, marked by an on-going and thorough public consultation
process with Parish Councils, residents, CPRE Norfolk and other
interested parties.
A 'Quiet Lane' network was then agreed and implemented. Measures
include Quiet Lane signs, the use of finger posts, high skid resistance
buff coloured surfacing at crossing points on busy roads, route
hierarchy signage, speed limit gateways and a verge management
strategy.
The pilot scheme has been successful in meeting the objectives
which were set. These were to provide an attractive alternative
network of routes that link communities; the environmental protection
and enhancement of the minor country lanes that were selected;
the use of partnership through much consultation to deliver the
pilot with community support; to develop awareness of the scheme
to all users of the lanes; to use low cost and low visual impact
traffic engineering measures; and to create village core treatments
to complement the 'Quiet Lanes'.
It was on this basis that the Council has undertaken a second
trial area (bounded by Thetford, Attleborough and Diss) where
local Parish Councils have expressed an interest. This area is
twice the size of the first pilot area.
CPRE Norfolk will continue to be involved in the development
of the Quiet Lanes initiative and promote its success to the wider
audience. We believe that Quiet Lanes are a positive way of; providing
a chance for people to walk, cycle and horse ride in a safer environment;
widening transport choice; and protecting the character and tranquillity
of country lanes.
For more information about Quiet Lanes Schemes then please contact
us or Norfolk County Council (Traffic Strategy) on 01603 228853.
