As part of the wider Safe System Approach adopted in Jersey, the focus on safe speeds is crucial to ensuring the safety of all road users. The Safe System Approach recognises that while human errors are inevitable, the consequences of these errors should not be fatal or result in serious injury.
In Jersey, speed limits are carefully set and enforced to reflect the safety of our road infrastructure and the diverse needs of our road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists. By adhering to appropriate speed limits, we can significantly reduce the likelihood and severity of road collisions.
Key Elements of Safe Speeds in Jersey:
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Setting Appropriate Speed Limits: Speed limits in Jersey are determined based on the characteristics of the road, traffic volume, and the presence of vulnerable road users. Urban areas typically have lower speed limits to protect pedestrians and cyclists, while higher limits may be appropriate for rural roads with fewer conflicts.
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Enforcement: The States of Jersey Police actively enforce speed limits through regular speed checks. Consistent enforcement ensures that drivers adhere to speed limits, contributing to a safer driving environment.
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Public Awareness and Education: Educating road users about the importance of maintaining safe speeds is a critical component of our strategy. Campaigns and educational programs aim to inform drivers about the risks associated with speeding and the benefits of driving at safe speeds.
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Engineering Solutions: Road design and infrastructure improvements, such as traffic calming measures, are implemented to encourage compliance with speed limits and enhance overall road safety.
Pictured below is the Islands framework for safe speeds:
Research on Speeds (Richards and Cuerden, 2009)
Graph displaying fatality risk by the speed of the collision
UK data used but is still applicable to Jersey
Pedestrian fatality rates
• Hit at 20mph = 1%
• Hit at 30mph = 20%
• Hit at 40mph = 31%
