Green lane sign in St Peter
That Was Jersey |
Local history for everyone |
CHANNEL ISLANDS |
The Island of Jersey has about 550 miles of surfaced roads, and one of the highest rates of car ownership in the world. The resulting traffic levels have become a cause for concern, especially when marketing the island as a peaceful tourist location.
The Island Plan of 1986 was the first indication that Green Lanes would enhance the Island’s environment. The idea was to protect the charm of local lanes, many of which have a long history, by co-operation between landowners and the local authorities.
Lanes in Jersey are classified by the Norman system, according to their width. All roads wider than four feet were subject to Royal administration, hence the term still used for a Visite Royale, which checks on the accessibility of the lane (no low overhanging branches, or protruding vegetation). The Green Lane scheme was concerned with maintaining the essential rural nature of the lanes designated, and to give priority to walkers, cyclists and horse riders.
The Constable of St Peter was the first to implement this scheme. Plans were developed between 1992 and 1994, when the lanes were introduced on St Peter’s Day (29th June). The St Peter’s lanes proved to be the beginning of an Island-wide network of Green Lanes. These would have a speed limit of 15 mph and priority would be given to walkers, cyclists and riders.
Jersey green lanes are surfaced roads, many of which are inevitably the access routes to homes and farms. However, they are attractive routes through the rural areas of the Island. There is an annual competition for the Island’s most scenic lane, although this is not restricted to lanes designated under the Green Lanes scheme.
David Ansted wrote a guidebook to the Channel Islands in 1862. He described the lanes:
Very numerous lanes wind about in every direction, apparently without other purpose than to deceive the traveller, and it is safest to conclude that they do not lead in the direction they would seem to do. What they want in utility is, however, fully made up in beauty.
Other parishes soon adopted Green Lanes and designated some of their lanes under the scheme. The only parishes so far not to have created Green Lanes are St Saviour and Trinity. The network of Green lanes now covers more than 45 miles and it is now possible to travel large areas of the Island along green lanes, enjoying the peace and tranquillity of rural Jersey.
The concept of Green Lanes has been particularly useful for Tourism, especially as many Europeans have seen the scheme as a triumph for people over motor vehicles. This has resulted in many visitors coming to the island specifically for walking and cycling holidays.