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CPRE’s guide to Quiet Lanes

01 An introduction to Quiet Lanes

CPRE’s guide to Quiet LanesFollowing CPRE’s campaigning for Safer Country Lanes, local authorities are now able to designate ‘Quiet Lanes’ in rural areas. This pack describesthe benefits of Quiet Lanes and how to promote them in your area.

Contents01 An introduction to Quiet Lanes02 Frequently asked questions03 Quiet Lanes checklist for action04 Quiet Lanes in Norfolk and Kent05 Quiet Lanes across England06 Quiet Lanes proposed 2001/200607 Transport policy – where Quiet Lanes fit in08 Model letter to a local authority09 Model survey form10 Model press release11 Useful contacts and further information

Country Lanes are an integral part of our rural environmentbut the volume and speed of traffic, and the presence ofheavy lorries can make them uninviting and intimidating.

Quiet Lanes are a positive way of:

> providing a chance for people to walk, cycle and horseride in a safer environment;

> widening transport choice; and> protecting the character and tranquillity of country lanes.

The accessible and informative sheets in this pack will tellyou more about what Quiet Lanes are, and take youthrough the steps of how to promote their development inyour area.

This is the logo that theCountryside Agency hasadopted as the nationalQuiet Lanes sign. It canbe seen on signposts in existing Quiet Lanes, for example in Norfolkand Kent.


00 Policy guidance update

This Guide, published in 2003, pre-dates the publication of the Regulations on

Quiet Lanes in August 2006 and the establishment of Natural England (which

takes over some of the functions of the former Countryside Agency) in October

2006. In light of this, some sections are now out of date, although the principles

and campaigning techniques outlined remain valid. The use and usefulness of

the Guide should, therefore, not be affected.

The Quiet Lanes and Home Zones (England) Regulations 2006 (Department for

Transport Circular 02/2006) can be downloaded from the Department for

Transport website: www.dft.gov.uk. Search for ‘Quiet Lanes and Home Zones’.

The Regulations give local authorities greater guidance on how to designate

Quiet Lanes: local authorities have to have regard for them when developing

Quiet Lanes initiatives. Understandably, many local authorities were reluctant to

designate Quiet Lanes in the absence of the long-overdue Regulations. We

hope that the Regulations will now enable local authorities to proceed with Quiet

Lanes designations.

CPRE, September 2006





Speeding traffic is a huge problem in villages and along country lanes, and is set

to get worse as traffic levels continue to rise. CPRE has long campaigned to

protect country lanes from the adverse effects of intimidating traffic. Through our

Safer Country Lanes campaign, we have helped secure an important way to

tackle the problem by designating Quiet Lanes. Under the Transport Act 2000,

local authorities are able to designate roads for which they are responsible as

Quiet Lanes. CPRE is one of the leading organisations promoting the concept of

Quiet Lanes, as part of a wider strategy to promote environmentally sustainable

transport and lower speed limits on country lanes and through villages.

Campaign objectives:

Walk, cycle and ride in safetyQuiet Lanes are designated minorrural roads intended to pay specialattention to the needs of walkers,cyclists, horse riders and the mobility-impaired. They are designed toenable users to enjoy country lanes ingreater safety and encourage cardrivers to respect more vulnerableroad users.

Widen transport choiceQuiet Lanes are a key way ofwidening transport choice in thecountryside by encouraging localjourneys to be made on foot orbicycle, and for recreation. While carsare not banned and use of theseroads is shared, lower speed limitsand discrete road signs canencourage drivers to slow down and help to promote a more tranquilrural environment.

Quiet Lanes as a networkQuiet Lanes work best when they arepart of a network of designated laneswhich can link local residents to, forexample, the local shop or school,and connect lanes around a villagecentre or to a nearby village.

Quality of lifeQuiet Lanes are about appreciatingthe beauty and tranquillity of countrylanes rather than travelling alongthem from A to B as quickly aspossible in a car. By helping toprotect the character and tranquillityof the countryside from traffic,

reducing the intimidating effects of traffic on rural roads, buildingcommunity links and encouraginghealthy, recreational activities, Quiet Lanes play a valuable role in improving people’s quality of life.

Getting started

The first step to getting a Quiet Laneor Quiet Lane network set up in yourarea is to think about:> where one might be appropriate; > what it should seek to achieve; and> whether other measures such as a

lower speed limit, lorry restrictionsor traffic calming might be moreappropriate.

Think about the transport problems inyour area and how Quiet Lanes mighthelp to solve these. The next step is tocontact your local highway authority tosee if it will support your ideas.


02 Frequently asked questions

What are Quiet Lanes?

Quiet Lanes are minor rural roads,typically C or unclassified routes,which have been designated by localhighway authorities to pay specialattention to the needs of walkers,cyclists, horse riders and othervulnerable road users, and to offerprotection from speeding traffic. Carsare not banned from Quiet Lanes andthe use of Quiet Lanes is shared.Measures such as lower speed limitsand discrete road signs aim toencourage drivers to slow down andbe considerate to more vulnerableusers who can in turn use and enjoycountry lanes in greater safety, withless threat from speeding traffic.

The concept of Quiet Lanes was firstintroduced in Jersey (they wereknown as ‘Greenways’) where muchof the rural road network is nowdesignated. Confusingly, in Englandthe name ‘Greenways’ is used todescribe off-road routes which aredesigned to be car free. Ideally, QuietLanes and Greenways should co-exist to bring maximum benefits.Information on Greenways can beobtained from the CountrysideAgency, who advise the Governmenton rural matters. The CountrysideAgency first introduced the idea ofQuiet Lanes in England. The Agencyhas initiated two demonstrationschemes in Norfolk and Kent to

measure the success of Quiet Lanes(see the Quiet Lanes in Norfolk andKent sheet contained in this pack).

Why does CPRE promoteQuiet Lanes?

Safer Country LanesThe Quiet Lanes initiative forms partof CPRE’s Safer Country Lanescampaign. This seeks to protectcountry lanes and villages from theadverse effects of speeding traffic by calling for lower speed limits and widespread designation of Quiet Lanes.

Speeding traffic blights many villagesand has led to numerous collisionsand fatalities. Fatal car crashes occurmost frequently on rural roads and itis no surprise that speeding traffichas a significant impact on people’squality of life. CPRE’s Rural TrafficFear Survey 1999 found that 65% ofpeople felt threatened either all orsome of the time by speeding trafficon country lanes. A Quiet Lane maynot be the most appropriate solutionto motorists persistently driving atexcessive speed, but they can bepart of a package of measures toimprove transport choices. QuietLanes can help make country lanesfeel safer, pleasant and lessintimidating to pedestrians, cyclists,horse riders and all who enjoy them,

by aiming to reduce the risk ofcollisions and reclaim their tranquillityand local character.

Will Quiet Lanes act as a formof traffic calming?

Quiet Lanes are designed to makecountry lanes safer and moreaccessible to vulnerable users. Toachieve this, CPRE believes QuietLanes should have speed limits of 20mph. Quiet Lanes are not, however, ameans of tackling safety problems ona particular stretch of road andshould not be seen as a way ofbanning or significantly calming traffic.

Measures can be taken to help deliverthe aims of Quiet Lanes but theseshould be in keeping with the localcharacter of the area. Examplesinclude varying verge maintenance,soft landscaping, removal of roadsigns, road surface treatments or evenplanting grass in the middle of theroad. Traditional traffic calmingmeasures such as speed cushions,humps and high visibility signs areoften more appropriate to urban areas.

What do Quiet Lanes look like andwill they clutter the countrysidewith signs?Quiet Lanes will vary from area toarea but the sign of a successfulQuiet Lane is that it looks similar tothe existing lane. Quiet Lanes should

be designed to protect and enhancethe local character anddistinctiveness of the countryside.Signs should, therefore, be discretewhilst indicating clearly to road usersthat they are in a Quiet Lane. Signsshould neither detract from, norclutter, the countryside.

Some features that would benoticeable are:

> Quiet Lanes signs – anational Quiet Lanes signhas been developed toidentify entry into and exitfrom a Quiet Lane. At theexit, the Quiet Lanes

emblem is crossed out. Localauthorities which have introducedQuiet Lanes have tried to ensurethat these signs are inconspicuous.In Kent, for example, they aremounted on small timber posts.Destination and way-marker arrowscan also be marked on the signs.

> Fingerposts which re-direct trafficonto more appropriate routes andaway from Quiet Lanes. In Norfolk,fingerpost destinations have beenrevised so as not to encouragethrough traffic. Fingerposts can alsobe replaced or revised in atraditional style, with livery inkeeping with local character.

> The removal of unnecessary trafficsigns.

> Narrow lane entrance to deterthrough traffic.

> False cattle grids are raised parallelbars across the road surface whichcause a gentle rumble as vehiclespass over them. These are aimedto raise driver awareness that theyare entering a Quiet Lane.

> Landscape features, such ashedges, verges, walls and waysidetrees can be sensitively managed toimprove the landscape, retain localcharacter and make travel easier forcyclists, walkers and horse riders.Examples include building vergesout with logs or grass to narrow thelane width and facilitate bettercrossing, and planting shrubs at ‘s’ bends.

Good and well-planned design ofQuiet Lanes is essential and the localcommunity should feed into thisprocess from an early stage.

Can any road be designated a Quiet Lane?

Quiet Lanes are really onlyappropriate for minor rural roads, Cor unclassified routes, which aresingle-carriageway.

Do Quiet Lanes have to be lightly trafficked?

The earlier pilot initiatives (undertakenby local authorities and theCountryside Agency) haveconcentrated on areas with a lighttraffic flow. In time, CPRE would liketo see more country lanes with highertraffic flows designated in order todeliver real change in people’stransport choices and in driverbehaviour.

Who has priority on a Quiet Lane?

Currently, the legislation does notafford any user group priority on aQuiet Lane and use is shared. CPREwould, however, like to see vulnerableroad users have priority right of way.This would be similar to the priorityattached to pedestrians steppingonto a zebra crossing. Whilemotorised traffic may use a QuietLane, CPRE believes it shouldrespect the presence of walkers,cyclists and horse riders who shouldhave priority. In the meantime,publicity, community involvement andother measures should ensure driverstake even more care when travellingalong a Quiet Lane.

Frequently asked questions

Are lower speed limitsrequired?

Under the Transport Act 2000, localauthorities can make speed orders.This means they can take measuresto reduce the existing speed of motorvehicles and/or cycles. Although lowerspeed limits are not a compulsory partof a Quiet Lane, the key is toencourage drivers to slow down andto reduce their speeds in order tocreate a safer environment. Lowerspeed limits are, therefore, likely to beneeded and CPRE encourages 20mph as part of a broader hierarchy ofrural speed limits.

How are Quiet Lanes enforcedto ensure that drivers driveslowly and considerately?

Quiet Lanes are essentially self-enforcing. Enforcement largelydepends on advertising the QuietLanes and maintaining publicawareness about their purpose. Thisrequires a continuous programme ofpromotion in order that all in thecommunity and visitors to the areaknow the Quiet Lanes exist and whatthey are seeking to achieve. Mobilespeed cameras might be used bylocal police forces, althoughresources for this are likely to bescarce. Frequently those motoriststravelling at higher speeds come fromthe local area and this reinforces theneed for local community support forQuiet Lanes as they are developedand implemented.

Where do Quiet Lanes exist in England?

Two pilot Quiet Lanes projects havebeen developed in Norfolk and Kentwith the support of the CountrysideAgency, since 1998. CPRE is awarethat local highway authorities inBuckinghamshire, Cheshire, Dorset,Gloucestershire, Lancashire,Oxfordshire, Somerset, Surrey,Wiltshire and Worcestershire havestarted to develop Quiet Lanesnetworks. Across the country 31 localauthorities are intending to collectivelydevelop over 300 Quiet Lanes withtheir local communities. These arelisted in the Quiet Lanes acrossEngland sheet.

What regulations are in placefor Quiet Lanes?

The Transport Act 2000 containsprovisions (quoted below) which givelocal highway authorities the power todesignate certain roads, for whichthey are responsible as Quiet Lanes,and has given the term ‘Quiet Lane’legal status. These provisions were anamendment to the Transport Bill andcame as a result of lobbying fromCPRE, the Children’s Play Council,Transport 2000 and the LocalGovernment Association.

Under the Transport Act 2000, localauthorities are also able to makeorders about the use of these roads(‘use orders’) and about speedreduction measures (‘speed orders’),subject to regulations made by theSecretary of State for Transport.

Transport Act 2000 - Chapter 38Quiet lanes and home zones andrural road speed limits Section 268

(1) A local traffic authority maydesignate any road for which theyare the traffic authority as a quietlane or home zone.

(2) The appropriate national authoritymay make regulations authorisinglocal traffic authorities who havedesignated roads as quiet lanes orhome zones to make use ordersand speed orders of suchdescriptions as are prescribed bythe regulations in relation to anyroads designated by them as quietlanes or home zones.

(3) A use order is an order permittingthe use of a road for purposesother than passage.

(4) But a use order may not permitany person-(a) wilfully to obstruct the lawful

use of a road by others, or(b) to use a road in a way which

would deny reasonable accessto premises situated on oradjacent to the road.

(5) A speed order is an orderauthorising the local traffic authorityby whom it is made to takemeasures with a view to reducingthe speed of motor vehicles orcycles (or both) on a road to belowthat specified in the order.

(6) The appropriate national authoritymay make regulations specifyingprocedures for the making,variation and revocation of-(a) designations, and(b) use orders and speed orders,

including the procedures forconfirmation (whether by the


appropriate national authorityor any other body).

(7) The appropriate national authoritymay give guidance to local trafficauthorities about matters to whichthey must have regard indetermining whether or not todesignate a road as a quiet lane orhome zone.

Although the powers to designateQuiet Lanes have been in place since2000 and despite pressure fromCPRE, the Government has yet toissue the statutory regulations whichwill give greater guidance to localauthorities.

How can I get Quiet Lanesintroduced in my area?

See our Quiet Lanes checklist foraction sheet for detailed guidance onhow to promote Quiet Lanes in yourarea. The main action will be topersuade your local highway authorityto carry out consultation for settingup Quiet Lanes in your area. Thechecklist also provides ideas forengaging local support for QuietLanes and raising public awareness,such as using a survey or holding apublic meeting. Depending on yourresources available, you may wish toget involved to this degree.

What is the CountrysideAgency’s approach?

The Countryside Agency hasdeveloped a process for local

highway authorities to designateQuiet Lane networks, known asPACE – Plan, Activate, Check andEnable. This system has beenadopted within the Quiet LanesDemonstration areas and is used byother local authorities acrossEngland. It is summarised as follows:

Stage 1 PLAN – these are the firststeps to developing the project,including setting out what thenetwork should achieve, identifyingpartner organisations and establishinga vision for the proposed network.

Stage 2 ACTIVATE – putting togethera Quiet Lanes Strategy, including anassessment on the demand for QuietLanes, community involvement andviews, and proposing the measureswhich are to make up the scheme.

Stage 3 CHECK – ensuring that thelocal authority has all the necessaryproject components, covered in thePLAN and ACTIVATE stages, in placeto proceed.

Stage 4 ENABLE – getting theproject implemented on the groundand managing the network, includingcontinued public consultation, post-implementation monitoring andevaluation.

Is funding available for QuietLanes?

The main source of funding for QuietLanes is through the local highwayauthority’s Local Transport Plan (LTP).These plans set out the authority’spolicies and strategy on transport ona five-yearly basis. Current LTPs run

between 2001/02 and 2005/06 butwill be reviewed in 2004. They aresubmitted to central Government whoapprove and provide funding for themeasures contained in the LTP. It is,therefore, important to promote QuietLanes as positively as possible to thelocal authority and show them howsuch an initiative would complementother policies in the LTP, such asincreasing cycling or wideningtransport choices in rural areas. Eachyear most authorities need to submitan Annual Progress Report to centralGovernment detailing how thepolicies in the LTP are beingimplemented and transport fundingused. These APRs can contain bidsfor additional funds (i.e. not includedin the original LTP) and can potentiallybe a source of funding for new QuietLane initiatives.

Local authorities can seek externalfunding from other sources, such asthe European Union, privateinvestment or land fill tax. The ParishCouncil in your area might also beable to contribute financially if theyare interested in supporting the QuietLane initiative.

In the past, the Countryside Agencyhas provided financial support tolocal highway authorities keen todevelop Quiet Lanes. This funding iscurrently being reviewed, however,and it is more likely that in futurefunding would be obtained throughthe LTP process.



03 Quiet Lanes checklist for action

1. A strategic approach

> First think about your area and itsvarious routes – look at a detailedmap and identify where a QuietLane or a Quiet Lanes networkmight be appropriate.

> Make sure a Quiet Lanes network,rather than traffic calming, issuitable for your area by thinkingabout what the project is aiming toachieve and what links it couldcreate (between services, orexisting bridleways for example).

> Think about the problems andtransport issues in your area andabout how Quiet Lanes mightcontribute to solving these.

> Consider whether alternativemeasures such as a lower speedlimit, lorry restriction or trafficcalming might be more appropriate.

2. Consult your LocalTransport Plan

Find out whether your local highwayauthority has plans for Quiet Lanes inyour area by looking at its LocalTransport Plan (LTP). In rural areas,these are prepared by countycouncils and unitary authorities. TheLTP sets out the authority’s policiesand strategy on transport for fiveyears. Most LTPs will be reviewed in2004 – providing an ideal opportunityfor the authority to promote Quiet

Lanes. Central Government providesfunding for the measures contained inthe LTP and asks local authorities toproduce Annual Progress Reportseach year which set out how thestrategies are being implemented andany changes they want to make to it.

Copies of your LTP can be found inyour local library. Consider:

> if there are already plans to developQuiet Lanes initiatives in your area;

> what policies in the LTP wouldsupport the development of a QuietLanes network; and

> whether the Annual ProgressReport (submitted to Governmentat the end of July) could containproposals for Quiet Lanes.

3. Gauge local support

The key to the success of a QuietLane is local support and communityinvolvement from the start. It will beup to your local authority to consultthe community. You may, however,wish to get involved at an early stage– the more local support there is, thestronger the case for Quiet Lanes.You could:

> engage with the local communityand find out if there is local supportfor a Quiet Lane network. The QuietLane initiative will be seriouslyundermined if no one is willing to

use it or change their behaviouraccordingly;

> contact neighbouring communitiesto find out if there would be supportfor Quiet Lanes in their area too; and

> write to parish councils and otherlocal groups who might have aninterest (like walking, cycling or ridinggroups) and ask if they would beprepared to support Quiet Lanes.

4. Contact your local authority

Write to the Head of Transportation ofthe county council or unitary authorityasking for a Quiet Lanes initiative tobe developed in your area andincluded in the Local Transport Plan:

> suggest some possible lanes andpoint out the routes which could beincluded;

> explain the benefits of Quiet Lanesand how Quiet Lanes would fit intoa broader strategy for improvingcommunity links and the quality oflife in rural areas, and how it wouldcomplement the Local TransportPlan and its aims;

> be persuasive and enthusiastic, andindicate the extent of publicsupport; and

> ask for a meeting to discuss yourideas, possibly concerning aparticular proposed Quiet Lane.

A two-stage consultation process isadvised with the local highwayauthority consulting the localcommunity on the advantages anddisadvantages of a Quiet Lane andseeking views for possible lanes. Thisshould then be followed up withconsultation on more worked-upproposals. In practice, however,community participation in the projectshould be ongoing.

5. Write to your councillors

Write to your local county or unitarycouncillors, asking them to supportthe Quiet Lanes initiative and take upthe case within the local authority.The views of the Chair of theCommittee responsible for transportwill be particularly influential. You canencourage their support by writing,composing motions for the Council toadopt, promoting Quiet Lanes as anitem on the agenda of councilmeetings and promoting the idea inthe local media.

6. Raise public awareness

You might also wish to take theinitiative and raise awareness in yourarea about Quiet Lanes, if you havethe time and resources. Create anduse media opportunities to build localsupport for your case. This might bethrough a press release to the localmedia, or through the letters pages of

the local newspaper, or writing shortarticles for local newsletters. A modelpress release is included in this pack.Further measures could include:

> distributing leaflets about thebenefits of Quiet Lanes to thecommunity to rouse local interest;

> using a survey (which could beincluded in the leaflet) to get aninitial view of what people thinkabout having a Quiet Lane ornetwork in their area. A modelsurvey form is included in this packas a guide if you would like to doso; or

> holding a public meeting so youcan talk to people face to face,gauge their views and have moredetailed discussions.

Alternatively you could encourageyour local authority to take the stepsoutlined above and support theiractivities.

7. Engage the community

Encourage your local authority toinvolve local people in the design anddevelopment of the proposals fromthe outset. You can then respondwith constructive suggestions whenasked and in turn reinforce to yourlocal authority the need to consultand listen to local opinion. This caninclude comments on:

> the location, nature and extent ofthe network;

> the appearance of any signagewhich is proposed; and

> ideas on making Quiet Lanes workon the ground.

It is essential that the community whowill be using the Quiet Lanes areinvolved and consulted throughoutthe whole process. This can be viameetings, workshops, and literaturerequesting the public’s views.

Once a Quiet Lane has beendeveloped, it is vital that the localauthority monitor and advertise theQuiet Lane. People need to know thatit exists and why it exists in order tochange driver behaviour on the road.

8. Drive carefully

If you are a motorist, do your bit tohelp make rural roads safer for allusers and set a good example toothers: drive carefully at all times, nomatter how well you know the road –you never know what might bearound the corner!

Quiet Lanes checklist for action


04 Quiet Lanes in Norfolk and Kent

Since June 1998, the CountrysideAgency has been developing twonational Quiet Lane DemonstrationProjects in North Norfolk and WestKent (Greensand Ridge) in partnershipwith the local authorities. They wereset up as pilot schemes and havebeen monitored over the last two tothree years. Technical reports havebeen published on each scheme andare available from Kent and NorfolkCounty Councils (see the Usefulcontacts and further informationsheet). Final reports evaluating theireffects and success will be publishedtowards the end of 2003.

The best way for local authorities andcommunities to learn about theprocess of planning, designing,setting up and monitoring QuietLanes is from the demonstrationareas in Norfolk and Kent. Below is adetailed look at the Kent scheme anda summary of the Norfolk scheme.

Greensand Ridge, Kent

Where and what is the project? A Quiet Lanes network was launchedin July 2001 between three areas: theMedway Gap, Sevenoaks andTonbridge. Most of the network iswithin the Kent Downs Area ofOutstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).The area is characterised by historicvillages linked by a network ofcountry lanes, many of which date

back to Saxon times. There are a fewmajor roads which dissect thenetwork, and the busier of the lanesare used as through routes.

What are the aims of the project?> To make country lanes better for

local people wishing to walk, cycleand horse ride without restrictingthe access needs of localcommunities, such as farmers, localbusinesses and residents;

> to encourage the use of the lanesso that everyone travels with careand consideration for others, withthe slogan ‘Share with Care and beAware’; and

> to link country lane footpaths andbridleways between where peoplelive, work, shop, go to school anduse their leisure time.

How was the initiative developed?An initial assessment was needed toconsider the need and demand forQuiet Lanes. Baseline studies lookingat traffic speeds and flow, roadcollision rates and the quality of theroad network were conducted by thehighway authority. After consideringthe suitability of the network, it wasconcluded that the minimum physicalworks should be undertaken toencourage greater use by non-motorised users whilst having properregard to safety. Care was needed inthe design and location of the signsto make them minimal but effective.Desired outcomes for the project

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were set and after a risk assessmentand early approvals of a draftscheme, steering and implementationgroups were set up.

The Greensand Ridge initiativeinvolved a three-stage series ofconsultation exercises. These gaugedinitial support, considered whichlanes to include, and what measuresshould be introduced to minimiseusage by motor vehicles andencourage non-motorised users.Then once the scheme had beenproposed, a further consultationexamined whether any refinementswould be needed. Methods ofconsultation included: articles in thelocal newspaper, leaflets requestingpeople write in with their views,workshops and press releases. Parishcouncils, CPRE, the Cyclists TouringClub, Ramblers Association and theBritish Horse Society were involved ateach stage.

DesignThe design measures were developedby working with local residents,landowners, interest groups,engineers and stakeholders. Criteriawere drawn up to decide which lanesto use: lanes connecting with villagesand towns, and lanes not providing adirect route between destinations forcars were prioritised. Many of thetraditional traffic managementmeasures were rejected because theywould interfere with the character of

the country lanes and there was apreference for unobtrusive andessential signing only. Measures thatwere adopted included:

> Quiet Lanes signs mounted onsimple wooden posts marking theentry and exit points of thenetwork;

> fingerpost destination signs revisedto divert through traffic away fromthe Quiet Lane;

> treatment to the centre of the lane(application of coloured chippings)to achieve a visual narrowing of thelane and to guide non-motorisedusers away from the edges;

> a false cattle grid of five raisedparallel bars in grey with white onthe edge of carriageway to drawattention to the bars; and

> limited measures (e.g. improvedwarning signs, surfacing with a highskid resistance buff colouredsurface, and end of carriagewaymarking) to improve safety andawareness at busy junctions.

Monitoring Kent County Council has monitoredtwo key elements: behaviour (bymeasuring traffic counts, speedmeasurements or video surveys) andattitudes (by surveys or focus groups).

The scheme has been running fortwo years now and the CountyCouncil is extremely pleased with thedemonstration project. It has beenvery well received and hugely

community driven: local people havedeveloped local solutions for localproblems.

Results after monitoring:> year one (2001): vehicle flow has

been 8% lower on weekdays(compared to 7% higher on controlroads) and 13% lower onweekends (compared to 3% loweron control roads). Year two (2002):no change to previous flows inweek days (compared to a 16%increase on control roads) and 6%lower on weekends (compared to a4% increase on control roads);

> according to manual classifiedcounts, taken in the autumns of1999 and 2001, the number ofpedestrians were higher in 2001 by72% on weekdays and 89% onweekends. Weekday flow of cyclistson the Quiet Lanes increased byaround 75% between counts,although weekend flows were downby 31%. In the pre-Quiet Lanessurveys, the number of non-motorised users saw a 4% increaseof all users on week days and 9%at weekends, and in the aftersurveys, these increased to 6% onweek days and 12% at weekends.

> a vehicle speed measure (false cattlegrid) produced a 4 mph decrease inaverage speeds eastbound, whichcontinued in year two.

> vehicle speed was reduced by 1.8– 2 mph in year one, whichcontinued in year two.

Quiet Lanes in Norfolk and Kent

> 85% of the community were infavour of the scheme in year oneand year two.

Although some of these changesmight appear small-scale, the resultsare positive and buck national trends.The scheme has been verysuccessful in:

> delivering the original aims of theproject and the anticipatedoutcomes, and establishingnetworks which can be used bywalkers, cyclists and horse riderswhich link to other routes andplaces of interest;

> uniting the community, the localcouncil and stake holders indeveloping a consensus on theproject;

> making progress in encouraging achange in driver attitude andbehaviour;

> bringing together a broadpartnership of many different, andsometimes conflicting, interests inorder to achieve a change in theway some of the minor rural lanesare used; and

> achieving local community benefitssuch as new and improvedfingerpost signs, better quality ofsigning, and Public Rights of Wayimprovements that are unlikely tohave received funding without theQuiet Lanes scheme. A number oftraffic management measureswhich will benefit the road user

regardless of whether the QuietLanes concept is successful in thelonger term were also implemented.

Further assessment is needed onhow far the project has protected thelanes. Keeping vehicle speeds andflows at low levels will also beessential in encouraging non-motorised users to use the network.

Norfolk

The pilot area is a stretch of north-east Norfolk which is within the NorthNorfolk Area of Outstanding NaturalBeauty. It is based on a network ofexisting minor roads linking townsand villages and makes connectionsto off-road footpaths and bridleways.The initiative is part of the NorfolkCoast Transport Strategy which aims

to widen transport choice, manageNorfolk’s minor road network and thecompeting uses required of them, get people to use more appropriateroutes, and adopt a ‘share with care’philosophy when using Quiet Lanes.Measures include Quiet Lanes signs,the use of finger posts, high skidresistance buff coloured surfacing at crossing points at busy roads,route hierarchy signage, speed limitgateways and a verge managementstrategy.

A second scheme plannedNorfolk County Council are nowplanning a second Quiet Lanesnetwork between three market townsin the south of the county. The areaincludes a section of the nationalcycle network and parts of theThetford Forest recreational area. By early 2003 local parishes had beeninvited to informal meetings to discussthe plans. This is very encouragingnews for the status and the futuredevelopment of Quiet Lanes.

To find out more about theGreensand Ridge Project or QuietLanes in North Norfolk, contactdetails for Kent and Norfolk CountyCouncil are included in this pack (seethe Useful contacts and furtherinformation sheet).

Quiet Lanes in Norfolk and Kent

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05 Quiet Lanes across England

While Quiet Lanes were first piloted inNorfolk and Kent, an increasingnumber of other authorities are nowworking with communities in theirarea to bring them forward. Below isa selection of examples describingprogress by early 2003 – please letCPRE know if your authority isworking up proposals in your area.

Buckinghamshire – ChilternsArea of Outstanding NaturalBeauty (AONB)

In the Local Transport Plans for bothBuckinghamshire and Hertfordshire apilot project has been established,called Central Chilterns TrafficManagement Project. This projectcovers approximately 10% of theChilterns AONB, and includes part ofHertfordshire. One aim of the project isto develop a pilot Quiet Lane networkand initial meetings have been heldwith parish councils and walking,cycling and equestrian groups.

Cheshire – Peckforton Hills

Following successful campaigning byCPRE Cheshire, Cheshire CountyCouncil are looking into establishing aQuiet Lanes pilot project in thePeckforton Hills. This is a large areapredominantly used by commuters,and contains a number of touristattractions. There are already a seriesof off-road greenways including ahorse riding trail, rights of way whichare walking routes and the CheshireCycleway. There is a need for clearlydefined routes to which commutingand tourist traffic is directed. CheshireCounty Council has recentlycommissioned a feasibility reportwhich was being finalised in early2003 and which recommendsCountryside Agency’s PACEmethodology be used, with acombined two-stage publicengagement process. An alternativeand preferred area for Quiet Laneshas been identified – MacclesfieldForest. The next step incommunicating with the public islikely to be through a leaflet. Inaddition to the Quiet Lanes signs anduse of fingerposts, footways alongjunctions and busy roads to link QuietLanes, verge enhancement, use ofwaymarkers and public rights of waysignage are some of the features thathave been considered.

Dorset – Corfe Mullen

Following attempts by the ParishCouncil and a local pressure group toreduce the speed limit west of CorfeMullen to 30 mph, Dorset CountyCouncil decided to pursue a QuietLanes network. A steering group,including the local CPRE, councillors,cyclists, and local people, has beenset up. A public consultation leafletwill be sent to parishes for publicconsultation. Work has also beendone as part of a Rural TransportPartnership to survey traffic and theresults of this will be fed to thesteering group before publicconsultation.

Gloucestershire – CotswoldWater Park

Discussions about a rural transportstrategy established the need for aclear road hierarchy within the WaterPark to designate through routes,haul routes and routes for recreationaltraffic. In this context, the principle ofcreating a network of Quiet Laneswas supported, particularly on localroads providing direct access to thelakes in the western heart of the park,or over routes forming part of theThames Park.

Lancashire – Forest ofBowland

A public examination has been heldto gather public views about apotential network around the villagesof Chipping and Slaidburn and firstdraft proposals have been drawn up.No special treatment is initiallyproposed as most of the lanes androads are already quite narrow andsuitable only for modest vehiclespeeds. New signing is proposedwhich is intended to be sympatheticto the rural location.

Oxfordshire – ‘CountryWays’,Chilterns AONB

Oxfordshire County Council hasadopted an area in the southern partof the Chilterns AONB to pilot aproject called ‘CountryWays’ whichaims to reduce the impact of trafficon rural areas by testing out a rangeof traffic management measures indifferent locations. Quiet Lanes areone of the options being consideredamongst others, such as village trafficcalming, signing strategies, andimproved links to approved cycle orpath networks. It is hoped that theCountryWays projects will beextended to cover the whole countyin time.

Surrey – Surrey Hills AONB

Surrey County Council has beenworking with local people, businessesand landowners to develop a networkof quiet lanes. The dangers andimpact of traffic on the countrysidehas been identified as the numberone concern of people living inSurrey’s rural areas. Through a seriesof workshops and intensiveconsultation exercises, localcommunities are identifying a networkwhich meets their needs and helps toreduce their local traffic problems. Arange of creative solutions to makeconditions better on the lanes for useby all are being investigated, includingchanged junction priority, lanenarrowing and lane surfacetreatments.

Wiltshire – Vale of Pewsey

The Quiet Lanes initiative in Pewseyarose from a recognised need tomanage HGV access. A series ofcommunity events were held in Easter2002 when the high speed ofvehicles was raised as the mostcommon area of concern. Asubsequent questionnaire, whichreceived 600 responses, identifiedreducing vehicle speeds as a priority.Roads meeting a criteria of 35 mph,with 650 vehicles travelling on them aday, and which are 3.5 metres or lessin width have been selected as QuietLanes. The first phase of the networkto be implemented is due tocommence in mid-2003.

Worcestershire Quiet LanesInitiative

In 1999 Worcestershire CountyCouncil consulted with all of theparish councils to gain their views onsuitable locations for Quiet Lanes. Amap was developed and publishedwithin the Local Transport Plan (LTP),with a view to further investigation.The County is currently evaluatingappropriate locations for Quiet Lanesand consulting with a wide range ofCounty and District Officers, HighwayPartnership Units, parish councils,user groups, public transportoperators and adjacent counties. Thiswill identify key issues, users’requirements, existing and futureconstraints, potential opportunities forimprovements and solutions. Inaddition to a network of lanes, theCounty has identified one parishwhere a 'best practice' example ofQuiet Lanes will be developed toraise their profile within the county.Inkberrow Parish, whose countrylanes are already well used bywalkers, cyclists and horse riders andrun through countryside ofconservation and historical interest,has been selected.

Quiet Lanes across England


06 Proposed Quiet Lanes – 2001/2006

The figures listed below represent the number of Quiet Lanes proposed in the Annual

Progress Reports which local authorities produce setting out the implementation of

their Local Transport Plan (LTP). These Reports were submitted in August 2001 and

cover the period of the current LTP which runs between 2001/02 to 2005/6.

Authority 2001/02 2002/03 2003/04 2004/05 2005/06

Bath and north-east Somerset 3 3 3 3 3Blackburn 0 1 1 1 1Buckinghamshire 0 6 6 6 6Cheshire 2 3 3 6 4Cumbria 0 2 0 0 0Darlington 0 0 0 0 1Derbyshire 0 1 1 1 1Devon 1 5 6 7 7Dorset 0 0 1 0 1East Riding 1 0 0 1 0Halton 0 0 0 1 0Isle of Wight 1 3 3 3 3Kent 6 6 6 6 6Lancashire 0 6 0 0 0Medway 0 0 1 0 0Milton Keynes 1 0 0 0 0Nottinghamshire 0 1 1 1 1Oxfordshire 0 5 5 5 5Poole 0 0 0 0 1Rutland 0 1 1 1 1South Tyneside 0 0 1 0 0Sheffield 2 0 0 0 0Shropshire 4 6 6 6 6Solihull 0 0 2 3 4Somerset 3 0 0 0 0Suffolk 0 10 20 20 20Surrey 2 6 6 6 2Telford and Wrekin 0 1 0 0 0Thurrock 0 1 1 2 2Wiltshire 0 1 0 0 0York 0 2 4 6 8TOTAL 26 70 78 85 83

OVERALL TOTAL 342

CPRE is aware that Quiet Lanes have also been proposed or exist in Norfolk, Hertfordshire, Gloucestershire andWorcestershire. These are represented on the map overleaf.

GreaterManchesterMerseyside

Staffordshire

Warwick-shire

Avon

Cornwall

Isle Of Man

Cleveland

WestYorkshire

Lincolnshire

Notting-hamshire

HertfordshireBucking-hamshire

Leicestershire

Northamp-tonshire

Cambridge-shire

Bedford-shire

LondonBerkshire

Hampshire

W. Sussex E. Sussex

Lancashire

Cheshire

Shropshire

West Midlands

Hereford andWorcester

Gloucestershire

Somerset

Devon

Cumbria

Northumberland

Durham

North Yorkshire

Humberside

Derbyshire

Norfolk

Rutland

Essex

Oxfordshire

SurreyWiltshire

Kent

Dorset

Isle of Wight

Suffolk

SouthYorkshire

Tyne and Wear

SS

Proposed Quiet Lanes – 2001/2006

Quiet Lanes(Underway or Proposed)

Fewer than 5

More than 5 butfewer than 25

More than 25


07 Transport policy – where Quiet Lanes fit in

More roads, more traffic,higher speeds

Whilst the car provides manybenefits, this has come at significantcost to the environment andcharacter of the countryside.Traditionally, the approach toaccommodating the growth in cartravel has been to build more (andexpand existing) roads. New roadshave scarred the countryside andencouraged further reliance on thecar. Increasing levels of traffic, noiseand pollution have extended far intorural areas, eroding the beauty andtranquillity of the countryside,severing communities and limitingother transport choices.

Moreover, speeding traffic haschanged the character of manycountry villages and lanes, makingthem unsafe and intimidating forwalkers, cyclists and horse riders.Fatal car crashes occur mostfrequently on rural roads. According tothe most recent figures, 1,641 peoplelost their lives on rural roads (52% ofall fatalities) in 2001. CPRE’s goal is toreduce car dependence and traffic inthe long term by providing people withalternative choices – walking, cyclingand public transport.

An integrated transport policy

1998 marked a change of approach,as the Government published itsWhite Paper on Transport A NewDeal for Transport: Better forEveryone. Its key objectives were todeliver a sustainable transport policyand an integrated transport network.It promised a balanced approach ofimproving public transport, reducingthe need to travel and tackling thenegative impacts of traffic. It alsorecognised the need to improvefacilities for walkers, cyclists andaccess for the disabled. The 1998White Paper introduced the newLocal Transport Plan (LTP) fordelivering integrated transport locally.LTPs are five year plans aimed atproviding greater certainty of futurefunding for local authorities and amore strategic approach to deliveringtransport policy.

The White Paper said ‘trafficmanagement can help to producebetter and safer local road conditions,both for those who live and work inrural areas and for visitors, andprotect the character of thecountryside’. It went on ‘traditionaltraffic management measures canhave an urban look and can be evenmore damaging in the countryside

than on the appearance of our towns.We will, therefore, encourage thecontinued development of new andimaginative ways of designing localtraffic schemes to make them moresensitive to their surroundings.’ QuietLanes are one such measure andwere supported in the White Paper.

A Road Safety Strategy

In March 2000, the Governmentpublished its road safety strategy andcasualty reduction targets for 2010 inTomorrow’s Roads Safer forEveryone. Among the proposals is acommitment to develop a newhierarchy of roads for rural areasdefined by the roads function andquality. Some of the features of thehierarchy would be 30 mph speedlimits adopted as the norm and lowerspeed limits on country lanes. CPREbelieves Quiet Lanes could form animportant part of that hierarchy.

The Transport Act 2000

Following CPRE’s campaigning, theTransport Act 2000 gave legal statusto the term Quiet Lane. The Actenables local authorities to designateroads for which they are responsibleas Quiet Lanes. Governmentregulations and guidance to localauthorities on how to designate aQuiet Lane are still awaited.

The Rural White Paper

The Rural White Paper (November2000) also includes a section onQuiet Lanes and encouraging walkingand cycling. It recognises the need toprotect the character and tranquillityof the countryside.

Quiet Lanes

Quiet Lanes play a valuable part inhelping to meet the policy priorities ofprotecting countryside character,widening transport choice andlowering traffic levels. Quiet Lanesalso form part of a wider strategy topromote environmentally sustainablemethods of transport in rural areas,change driver behaviour and makepeople think about how and why theytravel. They can also form part of thepackage of measures needed totackle the problems of speedingtraffic and road danger on countrylanes and through villages.

The diagram below illustrates therelationship between Quiet Lanes andwider policy objectives.

Protecting tranquillity & countryside character

Quiet Lanes

Widening transport choice

Lowering traffic levels

Helping to tackle road danger

Improving health Encouraging environmentallysustainable forms of transport

Transport policy – where Quiet Lanes fit in


08 Model letter to local authority

Name

Head of Transportation/Chair of Transport Committee

Xshire County Council/Unitary Authority

Address

Date

Dear

Quiet Lanes in Xshire

I am writing to request that a Quiet Lanes network be introduced in [name of your area] on behalfof the local community.

We believe that introducing Quiet Lanes to [name of your area] will bring a range of benefits to ourcommunity and countryside, and will improve our quality of life. By encouraging drivers to slowdown and drive more considerately, Quiet Lanes can:

• provide a chance for people to walk, cycle and horse ride in a safer, more pleasant and lessintimidating environment than presently exists;

• widen people’s transport choices;• reduce the risk of collisions and support measures to tackle the problem of speeding traffic; and• protect the character and tranquillity of country lanes.

Quiet Lanes can also create important transport links for the community. Making [name of laneproposed] a Quiet Lane, for example, will link local residents to [e.g. shops, school etc]. As an initialproposal, we suggest that [name of proposed lanes] lanes would be suitable for designation.

[If applicable] We have recently commissioned a survey of local resident views. The results showthat… [indicate extent of public support and what elements of Quiet Lanes are supported inparticular]. A number of the policies in the Local Transport Plan also support a Quiet Lanes initiative.[Outline how they would complement relevant policies].

We hope that you agree that designating Quiet Lanes in [name of your area] will be a worthwhileasset for the community. Specifically, we look to you to initiate your own consultation exercise toprogress this idea. We look forward to your reply.

Yours sincerely


09 Model survey form

If you would like to send a survey outto people in your local community togauge their views on Quiet Lanes,this model survey form may help.Please note that this is an optionalactivity which you may wish topursue, especially if your localhighway authority is not supportive.

Quiet Lanes in [the name of your area]

Do you remember the days when youcould take a leisurely stroll down acountry lane, taking in verge-sideviews and enjoying the peace andtranquillity of the countryside?Nowadays, country lanes are not asquiet, pleasant or safe as they usedto be as increasing levels of traffic,speeding vehicles, and heavy lorriesare making many intimidating forother users.

What are Quiet Lanes?Quiet Lanes are minor rural roadsdesignated by your local authority tomake them safer and more attractiveto walkers, cyclists and horse ridersand all who enjoy them, byencouraging drivers to drive moreconsiderately. Use of these roads is

shared – traffic is not banned.However, discrete signs and subtlechanges to the lanes, can promote amore tranquil rural environment.Lower speeds are encouraged andthrough traffic may be directed to usemore appropriate alternative routes.

A national Quiet Lanes sign has beendeveloped to identify entry into andexit from a Quiet Lane. At the exit,the Quiet Lanes emblem will becrossed out. They can be mountedon small timber posts so they do notdetract from the character of thecountryside.

What are the benefits of Quiet Lanes?By encouraging walking, cycling andhorse riding, Quiet Lanes widentransport choices for the communityand encourage healthy, recreationalactivities where people can enjoycountry lanes peacefully and with lessthreat of speeding traffic. Since QuietLanes work best as a network ofdesignated lanes, they can link wherelocal people live, work, shop, and goto school and connect lanes around avillage centre, and with localfootpaths. Such links can be an assetfor the area and mean more customfor local businesses.

Tell us what you thinkHave a look at the attached map. Weare proposing that Quiet Lanes bedesignated in this area to regain thecharacter and tranquillity of ourcountry lanes. As they are for use andenjoyment by us all, your views onQuiet Lanes and whether they are agood idea are essential. Please tell uswhat you think, by taking a fewminutes to fill in the questions below.We can then consider and analyse allyour views to see if there is enoughlocal support for a Quiet Lanesnetwork. We will be passing on ouranalysis of the responses received to[name of your] CountyCouncil/Unitary Authority who wouldbe responsible for developing theQuiet Lanes project in partnershipwith the community.

How do you travel?

1. How often do you use the following ways of travelling? (Please tick as appropriate)

Most of the time Sometimes Rarely Never

> Drive ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■

> Walk ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■

> Cycle ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■

> Horse ride ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■

> Bus ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■

Quiet Lanes

2. Have you heard about Quiet Lanes before? (Please tick as appropriate)Yes ■■ No ■■

3. Do you think Quiet Lanes are a good idea? (Please tick as appropriate)Yes ■■ No ■■

Please state why:…………………………………………………………………………………….

……………………………………………………………………………………............................

……………………………………………………………………………………............................

……………………………………………………………………………………............................

……………………………………………………………………………………............................

4. If you answered yes, which lanes do you think should be part of the Quiet Lanes network? (Please tick as appropriate)

X name of lane/road ■■ X name of lane/road ■■ X name of lane/road ■■




Alternatively, please colour in the lanes on the attached map so they are clearly visible.

Model survey form

5. What problems, if any, have you had using country lanes in the area as a walker, cyclist or horse-rider?

……………………………………………………………………………………............................

……………………………………………………………………………………............................

……………………………………………………………………………………............................

……………………………………………………………………………………............................

……………………………………………………………………………………............................

……………………………………………………………………………………............................

……………………………………………………………………………………............................

……………………………………………………………………………………............................

……………………………………………………………………………………............................

6. What objectives would you like to see traffic control measures achieve in your area?

■■ Encourage more considerate driving■■ Reduce the amount of traffic on the lanes■■ Reduce the amount of vehicles travelling at high speeds■■ Encourage more cycling■■ Encourage more walking■■ Encourage more horse riding

7. Do you think the following measures are acceptable in order to set up a Quiet Lane?

Yes No> Quiet Lanes signs (displayed on simple wooden posts) ■■ ■■

> Revised road signing to deter traffic away from Quiet Lanes ■■ ■■

> Replacement/revision of fingerposts with more traditional stylesin keeping with local character ■■ ■■

> Reduced amount of traffic signs ■■ ■■

> Narrow lane entrance to deter through traffic ■■ ■■

> Verges built out of natural materials such as logs to narrow the lane and provide better crossing points ■■ ■■

> Rumble strips acting as false cattle grids ■■ ■■

> Use/maintenance of verges and hedges to improve appearance of lane ■■ ■■

> Lower speed limits ■■ ■■

Model survey form

Model survey form

8. Any other comments

……………………………………………………………………………………............................

……………………………………………………………………………………............................

……………………………………………………………………………………............................

……………………………………………………………………………………............................

……………………………………………………………………………………............................

……………………………………………………………………………………............................

……………………………………………………………………………………............................

……………………………………………………………………………………............................

……………………………………………………………………………………............................

9. Would you like to be kept informed about Quiet Lanes in your area? (Please tick as appropriate)

If yes, please fill out your details below:

Name ………………………………………………………………………………………………...

Address ……………………………………………………………………………………………...

……………………………………………………………………………………………………......

……………………………………………………………………………………………………......

Telephone …………………………………………………………………………………………....

Email ………………………………………………………………………………………………....

10. Are you prepared to be involved in the campaign to promote Quiet Lanes in your area? (Please tick as appropriate) Yes ■■ No ■■

11. If you would like to hear back from CPRE about this and other campaigning work, please tick this box ■■If you would like to know more about becoming a member of CPRE, please tick this box ■■

Please return the completed questionnaires to [name, address]


10 Model press release

Press Release

Issued by CPRE Xshire

(charity registration number xxxxxx)

Date

EMBARGO: Not for publication before

xhrs xday xmonth

[Preferably send out the press release at least one week ahead of the embargo date so that local

papers/journalists have an opportunity to prepare a strong article]

CAMPAIGNERS URGE LOCAL AUTHORITY TO CREATE QUIET LANES

People should be able to enjoy country lanes and cycle, walk and horse ride, with less threat

from speeding traffic according to a new campaign being launched today ([insert day]) which

aims to get Quiet Lanes1 designated in ___________ [name of your area].

Quiet Lanes are designed to make country lanes safer and more attractive for all who use and

enjoy them, by encouraging drivers to slow down and drive more considerately.

NOTE FOR EDITORS

CPRE Xshire will be handing the results of its survey to ____________ [Councillor/Headof Transport] at [insert time] on [insert date] in one of the lanes which the campaignhopes will be designated a Quiet Lane. Photographers are invited to attend __________[location with precise details as possible] at ______ [time].

A N Other, Chairman/Volunteer/Transport Campaigner of CPRE XXXshire2, said:

‘Speeding traffic is a huge problem in many villages and can be intimidating for those using

country lanes. Quiet Lanes can provide the chance for people to walk, cycle and horse ride in

greater safety and improve people’s quality of life. They widen transport choice for local people,

can create useful links for the community and enhance and protect the character and tranquillity

of our country lanes. We are, therefore, calling for Quiet Lanes to be designated in ___________

[name of your area] and would like our local authority to respond positively.’

[If applicable] CPRE XXX has just conducted a survey amongst local residents, which shows that

x% of people questioned support the idea of Quiet Lanes in [name of area].

A N Other concluded:

‘There is extensive public support for Quiet Lanes. Now it’s up to our local authority to workwith the community to deliver a network of Quiet Lanes for the benefit of all who live in andenjoy the countryside.’

- END -

NOTE FOR EDITORS

1. Under the Transport Act 2000, local authorities are able to designate Quiet Lanes, for which they are responsible.

By designating minor rural roads as quiet lanes, local authorities can reduce the problems experienced by walkers,

cyclists and horse riders from intimidating traffic.

2. The Campaign to Protect Rural England exists to promote the beauty, tranquillity and diversity of rural England by

encouraging the sustainable use of land and other natural resources in town and country. We promote positive

solutions for the long-term future of the countryside and to ensure change values its natural and built environment.

We have 59,000 supporters, a branch in every county, eight regional groups, over 200 local groups and a national

office in central London. CPRE is a powerful combination of effective local action and strong national campaigning.

The Campaign to Protect Rural England [county name] campaigns to___________ [add in sentence about local current

campaigns].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

A N Other (Chairman/Volunteer/other, CPRE Xshire) [telephone number] (daytime)[telephone number] (home)

Another contact [telephone number] (daytime)[telephone number] (home)

Model press release


11 Useful contacts & further information

Quiet Lanes

Countryside Agency John Dower HouseCrescent PlaceCheltenham GL50 3RATel: 01242 521 381Email: [email protected] www.countryside.gov.uk/quietlanes/

A Government agency which worksto improve quality of life in thecountryside and the quality of thecountryside for everyone. The Agencyoriginally introduced the idea of QuietLanes. See their web site on QuietLanes for extensive information andtechnical guidance.

Campaign to Protect RuralEnglandTransport & Natural Resources team128 Southwark StreetLondon SE1 0SWTel: 020 7981 2800Email: [email protected]

CPRE exists to promote the beauty,tranquillity and diversity of ruralEngland by encouraging thesustainable use of land and othernatural resources in town andcountry. It has a branch in everycounty, and is one of the leadingorganisations promoting Quiet Lanes.

Quiet Lanes pilot schemes

Norfolk County CouncilTraffic Strategy Norfolk County CouncilCounty HallMartineau Lane Norwich NR1 2SG Tel: 01603 228853Email: [email protected]

Kent County CouncilEnvironmental ManagementInvicta House County HallMaidstone ME14 1XX Tel: 01622 221560 www.kent.gov.uk

Walking, cycling & horse riding

Ramblers’ Association2nd FloorCamelford House87-90 Albert EmbankmentLondon SE1 7TWTel: 020 7339 8500Email:[email protected]

The Ramblers’ Association is avoluntary organisation dedicated topromoting the enjoyment anddiscoveries that walking in thecountryside can bring.

Cyclists’ Touring ClubCotterell House69 MeadrowGodalming GU7 3HSTel: 0870 873 0063

A voluntary organisation, made up of70,000 members, who organisecycling activities throughout the UK.

SustransHead office35 King StreetBristol BS1 4DZTel: 0117 929 8893Email: [email protected]

Sustrans is a charity that aims toencourage people to cycle and usepublic footpaths in order to reducethe adverse effects of motor vehicles.

British Horse SocietyStoneleigh Deer ParkKenilworth CV8 2XZTel: 0870 120 2244www.bhs.org.uk

The British Horse Society worksclosely with Government bodies inorder to improve Britain’s bridlewaysand the needs of riders.

Related transport issues

Slower Speeds InitiativePO Box 19Hereford HR1 1XJEmail: [email protected]

The SSI campaigns for lower andbetter enforced speed limits, a higherprofile for speed reduction initiatives,development of speed controltechnology and changes in the law toreflect the seriousness of an offencewhich kills and maims.



Campaign to Protect Rural EnglandCPRE exists to promote the beauty, tranquillity and diversity of rural England byencouraging the sustainable use of land and other natural resources in townand country. We promote positive solutions for the long-term future of thecountryside and to ensure change values its natural and built environment. OurPatron is Her Majesty The Queen. We have 59,000 supporters, a branch inevery county, nine regional groups, over 200 local groups and a national officein central London. Membership is open to all. Formed in 1926, CPRE is apowerful combination of effective local action and strong national campaigning.Our President is Sir Max Hastings.

Campaign to Protect Rural England128 Southwark StreetLondon SE1 0SW

Tel: 020 7981 2800Fax: 020 7981 2899Email: [email protected] site: cpre.org.uk

CPRE is a company limited by guarantee, registered in England, number4302973. Registered charity number: 1089685

ISBN: 1 902786 63 7

August 2003

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