21 December 2007
Transport and Technical Services are advising motorists that the types of large vehicles subject to an island-wide maximum speed limit of 30 mph have recently been changed, and that from 1st January 2008, it will be a requirement to display a “30” sticker on the rear of those vehicles.
The Road Traffic ( Jersey ) Law 1956 imposed an all island 30 mph speed limit on all vehicles over 2.5 tonnes unladen weight and any vehicle drawing a trailer. The law was changed last October so that goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes laden weight, as well as buses, coaches and vehicles drawing trailers, were subject to the all island 30 mph limit. This is now consistent with licence categories, as since 1997, those passing the driving test in a car are awarded a standard driving licence which will allow the holder to drive a car or small goods vehicle up to 3.5 tonnes. A separate test is required to drive a larger vehicle.
As of 1 January 2008 , in addition to the change in category, a requirement has been introduced, that these larger vehicles must display a 30 mph sticker or plate at the rear of their vehicle. It is also a requirement that one of these stickers is displayed on every trailer including boat trailers, horse box trailers and general purpose trailers. The plates are available from a number of local suppliers.
Deputy Guy de Faye , Minister for Transport and Technical Services said, “Speeding is a serious concern, particularly in relation to large vehicles, which are generally less manoeuvrable and leave less space for other road users especially pedestrians. By making this change, the categories of vehicle subject to the lower all island limit are now much easier to understand, and with the requirement to display the “30” plate, there will also be better public awareness. I would expect this to be a significant benefit in our efforts to reduce road accident numbers in our island”.
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