Green Lanes
The History - Ten Years in the making
Jersey’s Island Plan made first mention of 'Green Lanes' in 1986, and was approved by the States of Jersey (our local Government) on 10th November 1987. The Plan referred to the identification of tree lined lanes which "were particularly attractive or of great character and antiquity" and stated that, "in co-operation with landowners, parishes and States' departments, every effort would be made to ensure that their character is maintained".
The charm and historical interest of many of the Island's minor roads is derived from their ancient origin. We know from early records that all roads above four feet in width were under Royal supervision - hence the term Visite Royale. We are told that Jersey had adopted the Norman custom of classifying roads by width so that we find them variously called via regia, cheminium regis, semita regis, so ranging from the King's Highway to the path or sentier. There were also certain 'rights of way', sometimes across fields such as the Chemin du Moulin and the Chemin des Morts (used for carrying a coffin from a house to a church).
The Island Plan talked about access to the countryside for informal recreation and stated that "the aim will be to maintain the quiet, unspoilt and natural character of the countryside for people to enjoy.. the provision of facilities will be kept to a minimum and every effort will be made to control the impact of cars and car parking in the countryside".
In simple terms, the Island Plan identified the need to maintain the natural beauty of the Island's narrow, tree lined lanes and in doing so wished to create a sustainable leisure amenity for walkers, cyclists and horse riders where people, not the car, had priority.
Nothing further happened until 1992 when the Constable of St. Peter developed plans with his parishioners for a network of green and scenic lanes.
The 'Green Lanes' in St. Peter with the distinctive road sign and 15 miles per hour speed limit were introduced on St. Peter's day on 29th June, 1994.
The Parish of St. Lawrence was the next parish to establish a network linked (by a main road) to St. Peter.
Since that time eight other parishes have introduced the scheme forming over 45 miles of 'Green Lanes'.
Why 'Green Lanes' are important to the Tourism industry
Jersey Tourism is aware of the huge interest in the scheme from its European Markets. The concept of 'Green Lanes' and the fact that a small island has put "people before the car" has achieved enormous press coverage in Europe, particularly in Germany, Holland, Switzerland and Scandinavia.
The concept of 'Green Lanes' is one of the Island's main selling points in Europe and visiting journalists show tremendous interest in the scheme when they visit the Island often walking or cycling on hired bicycles to experience the concept.
Jersey Tourism aware of this interest, has marketed its network as one of Jersey's main 'green' products through its European agents. This is already showing dividends by the amount of positive publicity generated in European trade journals, TV coverage and newspaper articles. Eurowing, a top German tour operator features the scheme extensively in its literature and also introduced a new walking and cycling programme in 1996 together with a new direct flight from Nurembourg to Jersey. UK Toursitik, another leading German tour operator, has developed Winter programmes because of its interest in Green Lanes. Recent interest has been expressed, amongst others, by VCS a Swiss 'eco' tour operator who have decided to run a programme to Jersey specifically because of the walking and cycling initiatives including the Green Lane network.
PTGH wish to thank Jersey Tourism for their help in providing the above information.
15/11/07
