The Chairman informed the LAF that a resident contacted the Forum on a particular Quiet Lane. He was uncertain of the LAF’s responsibility with Quiet Lane as it was a road rather than a path; but Lisa Hughes wanted it to be added to the agenda.

Lisa Hughes explained to the LAF what a Quiet Lane was: a designation that a highways authority can give to a single-track road where there would be usually less than a thousand vehicles passing through per day. This would then allow a few vehicles, horse-riders, walkers and cyclists to share the road.

Jacqui Wheeler brought the Forum’s attention to a copy of a report in the agenda which was presented to the Forum in 2015. The LAF decided to not pursue this report and decided to take the Quiet Lanes out of the milestone statement at the time. With the local resident approaching the LAF on Quiet Lanes and having visited the specific Quiet Lane that resident referred to, Jacqui Wheeler thought it would be useful for public rights awareness to investigate. She suggested that LAF conduct information gathering at the next Joint LAF Chairman meeting and find out if other local authorities were interested or had any successes in Quiet Lanes. Jacqui Wheeler also mentioned she had further communicated with the resident and explained to her the process and how it worked. She also added that it was essential for Quiet Lanes to have support from local community and Parish Councils.

Councillor Haseler asked for a further explanation of Quiet Lanes, namely how was the flow of vehicles managed. Lisa Hughes explained that Quiet Lanes essentially become a “shared use road”. She further explained that it protects vulnerable road users on single-track roads by alerting drivers of other road users. Councillor Haseler commented that he would be open-minded to concept. Lisa Hughes suggested she and Jacqui could circulate the process of designating roads as Quiet Lanes.

Steve Gillions stated he was surprised that Quiet Lanes were opposed by the residents of Wiltshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire, and wondered why. The Chairman explained that was one reason why Jacqui Wheeler wanted to add Quiet Lanes to the agenda of the LAF Chairmen’s meeting, alongside understanding how other local authorities managed Quiet Lanes.

Martin Richardson believed that Quiet Lanes sounded like powerful tools to remind drivers on narrow roads that they were sharing those roads with other, sometimes more vulnerable, users and that they should drive appropriately.

Alan Keene suggested that the LAF through Jacqui Wheeler approach the Parish Councils, explain to them Quiet Lanes and take on any suggestions from them.

Mark Howard asked if there was a middle ground with more signage and communication with drivers before designating a road as a Quiet Lane. The Chairman replied he would see how other local authorities approach Quiet Lanes during LAF Joint Chairs meeting.

Jacqui Wheeler also stated she would send an email out to Parish Councils, explaining to them Quiet Lanes and ask them for any suggestions.

Councillor Sharpe stated that there needed to be caution as Quiet Lane could end up receiving a lot of people because many residents may investigate to see what it would be like.

The Chairman stated that based on the depth of discussion involved, the LAF would like to be involved in Quiet Lanes.