OUR all-Island upper speed limit of 40 mph is a necessity given that most of our main roads are, by national and international standards, narrow and often tortuous.

In addition, it is obvious that there are many built-up areas where 30 or 20 mph limits are vital in the interests of road safety.

Meanwhile, although they can present a challenge to drivers who find a 15 mph limit a difficult speed to maintain, there is much to commend our green lanes, a network in which pedestrians, cyclists, riders and, indeed, wildlife take precedence over motor transport.

However, in spite of the vital role which speed limits play in making the Island a safer place, it is clear that the various zones have evolved in a haphazard manner over many years. Many limits are entirely appropriate, but others are questionable. Some are completely out of place.

This appears to have been recognised by Transport and Technical Services, whose officers are about to embark on a much-needed total review of present limits. Changes are not anticipated before next year and the public has been promised that a consultation exercise will begin next month to help ensure that the right decisions are made about the right zones.

In some cases limits will be lowered, though this must not be the only object of the exercise. There are many sections of road where the 30 mph limit is currently imposed which are in no respect different from other sections where the 40 mph limit applies.

That said, motorists who might be frustrated by the seemingly arbitrary application of one of the lower limits should bear in mind two important factors. Firstly, a ten-mile-an-hour reduction in speed is not going to make any significant difference to journey times here in Jersey. Secondly, road safety statistics show that pedestrian fatality rates rise sharply if they are struck by vehicles doing more than 30 mph.

As well as promising a root and branch examination of limits, Transport Minister Mike Jackson has said that a fresh look will be taken at the black and white end-of-limit signs which are a relatively new introduction to the Island. Quite rightly, he has concluded that these are confusing, but it is unfortunate that his proposed remedy will involve the addition of yet more signs to the complex set of ‘street furniture’ which is already so prolific.