Quiet Lane and Speed Order proposals
Adverts appeared in the Hunts Post on Wednesday 2 July, proposing to designate Brampton Road/Grafham Road as a Quiet Lane and introduce a 20mph Speed Order. This falls under the Quiet Lanes and Home Zones Regulations and is therefore an advisory speed limit.
The legal documents which make up the statutory process can be found in the documents section below. The deadline for comments or objections is Wednesday 23 July.
Sustrans are working in partnership with Cambridgeshire County Council to co-design improvements to Brampton Road, between the villages of Grafham and Brampton in Cambridgeshire. The road forms part of National Cycle Network (NCN) Route 12.
Rural roads have changed little in recent decades. They are often characterised by fast moving motor traffic. This creates an unsafe and unwelcoming environment for other road users.
This pilot project aims to create a rural Quietway. It will offer a better environment for walking, wheeling, cycling, and equestrians. If successful, the same design principles used in this project will be replicated to create other Quietway's across the UK.
The project will improve Brampton Road for non-motorised users. This will make the route safer and more appealing for people to:
- enjoy as part of their regular journeys to work or school
- take exercise and improve their physical and mental health
- access local leisure destinations such as Brampton Woods and Grafham Water.
This project presents an exciting opportunity. It aims to reimagine rural roads to make them more inclusive and accessible for everyone.
Sustrans, funded through Active Travel England, have led a six-month co-design process with the local community.
Phase one
The discover phase ran from October 2024 to January 2025. A series of events were held to develop an understanding of local issues and opportunities. Engagement included:
- online councillor briefing sessions
- community events in Grafham and Brampton village halls
- pop-up events around the local area.
Phase two
The co-design stage, ran from January to March 2025. It focused on developing design ideas and trial solutions for the route. Local engagement included:
- further online councillor briefing sessions
- a stakeholder workshop with local organisations
- two community co-design workshops in Grafham and Brampton village halls
- an online survey
The top outcome from the co-design process was that residents would welcome and support a speed limit reduction. This requires a legal framework and statutory Quiet Lane process. If the Quiet Lane is approved, we will be able to install new Quiet Lane signage and designate an advisory speed limit order along the road of 20mph. It will also allow for the introduction of other trial interventions along the route.
Alongside the legal process, Sustrans have designed a series of features for the Quiet Lane. These will be trialled and monitored for twelve months. They offer solutions to keep the rural road open and accessible but also provide an opportunity to be more than just a thoroughfare. The proposed interventions reflect the feedback received. They respond to the local conditions and location of the road, retaining its rural character.
Proposed trial interventions, which can be introduced, removed or altered during the trial period include:
- Gateway features in each village at the entrances to the road
- New signage and reminder posts along the route
- Build outs at critical points (retaining necessary widths for agricultural vehicles)
- Traffic calming at the railway bridge to slow speeds around the bend
- Formal passing places
- Visual narrowing with art or sculptures on posts in the verge
- Artwork on the carriageway, designed by children from Brampton Primary School
- Places to rest at footpath entrances, with benches, cycle parking and information boards
- New tree planting towards Brampton
- Artwork at the railway bridge with a nod to history
Design documents
Engagement and co-design documents
Legal order documents
Frequently asked questions
The frequently asked questions below provide further context on what a Quiet Lane means and how the road can be enjoyed going forwards.
Tips for enjoying a Quiet Lane by walking
- Be aware of other users. Whilst they should be travelling at lower speeds, make sure to keep on the lookout.
- Quiet Lanes are a great place for dog-walking but take care of other users and always keep your dog on a lead unless they’re well trained. Please also leave the Quiet Lane as you found it, which includes picking up any dog poo and disposing of it appropriately.
- Make sure to stand out by wearing bright clothing that’s easily visible, which is particularly important at night.
Tips for enjoying a Quiet Lane on a bike
- Travel at a sensible speed and consider other users that may not be visible. There are plenty of blind corners and spots reducing visibility so take care.
- If overtaking walkers, other cyclists, horse riders or motorists ensure to leave plenty of room.
- If you’re approaching horses on the road, please go slowly and be patient to give riders enough time to find a place allowing adequate room for passing.
- It’s always worth using a bell or saying ‘excuse me’ when approaching other non-motorised users from behind so they’re aware of your presence and don’t veer into your path.
- Make sure to stand out by wearing bright clothing that’s easily visible and by using bike lights. There’s not much street lighting on the route so it’s especially important at night.
- If you’re having a great time, don’t stop there. Have a look at our cycle maps for inspiration on where to cycle to next - Planning your journey | Cambridgeshire County Council.
- Leave the Quiet Lane as you found it and please take any rubbish home with you.
Tips for enjoying a Quiet Lane in a vehicle
- A Quiet Lane is not intended as a short-cut between villages, particularly as you are likely to encounter non-motorised users.
- Expect other users to be travelling at low speeds and allow ample time for them to move into a safe space before attempting to pass by.
- If you’re approaching horses on the road, go slowly and be patient to give riders enough time to find a place allowing adequate room for passing.
- Consider other users when parking your car so as to not inconvenience local residents and other users. If you’re visiting Brampton Wood, please use their car park. Passing places are intended for passing other users with safety, not for parking.
- Leave the Quiet Lane as you found it and please take any rubbish home with you.
Are you interested in having a Quiet Lane near you?
Please register your interest with us by emailing activetravel@cambridgeshire.gov.uk. It’s also worth contacting your local town or parish council to let them know too. You can find out who your town/parish council is by using this map - My Cambridgeshire.
Contact us
If you have any further questions, please do contact us at activetravel@cambridgeshire.gov.uk or Sustrans eastofengland@sustrans.org.uk
