Norfolk Quiet Lanes scheme

Quiet Lanes are an initiative of the Countryside Agency, supported by the Department for Transport (DfT). They are intended to form a network of country lanes, suitable for use by walkers, cyclists and equestrians as well as by motor vehicles, with the aim of helping to preserve the character and tranquillity of rural areas and encouraging an increase in non-motorised users, whilst maintaining vehicular access. The idea is to make motorists more aware of non-motorised users and, over time, to reduce the number and speed of motor vehicles by changing the 'hearts and minds' of local residents rather than lowering the speed limit or using physical measures for enforcement. The Countryside Agency has supported two pilot projects: in north Norfolk and west Kent (Greensand Ridge). In conjunction with the County Councils, TRL undertook the 'before' and 'after' monitoring of traffic flows and speeds, as well as attitudinal surveys concerning the schemes on behalf of DfT's Charging and Local Transport Division. This report mainly discusses the Norfolk scheme.