How to guides

This guide explains how to upload photos of sign posts and related docs to the project Google drive folders which SCC Highways will review and be discussing with the leads on the practicalities and final design, subject to successful designation.

The latest version of the spreadsheet is available for download from the Facebook private group (find the 'Files' folder or relevant post, or email the QLS Team for it to be emailed directly)

• Recommended for use with Microsoft Excel only (Google Sheets and Apple Numbers corrupt some of the dropdown details functionality )

• Excel online is available for free with a Microsoft.com account and works perfectly to update and save online ready to share when completed. See this help sheet on how to access Excel online and edit the spreadsheet.

To use the spreadsheet

1. download file from Facebook private group 'files' folder (or email to request by return)

2. save as ParishName-QLS_workbook_v5f.xlsx, e.g. WestStow-QLS_workbook_v5f.xlsx

3. enter Parish name in yellow highlighted cell B5(using dropdown menu if it is working, or you can overtype manually to enter the parish name in this cell)

4. The district should auto-populate in grey cell B6 below(if not, district name can be manually entered too)NB. Important to add District if East Suffolk for finance costings

5. The Road name cells should also now be auto-populated with the SCC list of official streets in the chosen Parish(again if not, you can manually enter the road name 'hyphen' route number format e.g. Mill Lane - U3440)

6. Complete a row for each individual post /signage location, even for shared posts that only need signs to be ordered

7. Instructions on How To obtain the Latitude/Longitude (Lat/Lon) are given in the short guide below

8. The quantities tables and budget indicative totals should auto-update as the entries are added

9. When completed, or requested, please email to QuietLanesSuffolk@gmail.com along with any photos of existing sign posts you are wanting to use to host QLS signs (picture filename suitably named with relevant sign/post ref id row from spreadsheet column B

10. If copying data from an earlier version of the spreadsheet that should be possible provided the cells align with the same column and you choose to 'Edit> Paste > Special > Values-only' to save re-typing

11. Any problems please complete an issues form #4 available on the website Registration Forms page

12. A simple manual costing guide is also available below

Well done if you get this far!

1. Use the Suffolk County Council List of Streets website for the definitive road names and associated Route Number(s) - view the relevant District pdf list or download the full county list in spreadsheet format, both available on the above page.

2. Check the extend of the Route Numbers with the quiet lane designation start and end points using the FindMyStreet.co.uk website

3. If the full extent of the quiet lane nomination does not directly match the Route Number segment, include a short description of the exact end points in the Lane Nomination form

NB. These details are required for the formal Notice of Designation Schedule list to be published in the press and distributed to the parish - here is the Phase 1 Notice & Schedule information pack for information as an example

The main cost of the programme is in the installation of posts and signs. Whilst we work on the detailed spreadsheet to assist and collate these details you can use these indicative figures to calculate the costs for your nominated lane(s)

• £190 per individual new post to be installed - use of existing posts where feasible will mean £0 cost

  • different lengths of posts in the detailed design stage following successful designation will determine the final actual cost

• £50 allow for each individual sign - typically each post will require an Entry sign one side and Exit sign the other at each end, with possible repeater signs in-between for longer lanes

  • there are three different sizes available depending on the location, repeater sign / small or medium, so costs will vary slightly depending which is required

So for example, a simple lane example with one new post at each end with an exit and entry sign on each will cost in the region of £580

The SCC 2020 Community grant funding signage allowance is for up to £600 per parish in total for this current programme of work. Neighbouring parishes can claim a share of any un-used allowance to cover signage costs if one of their Routes terminates or requires a sign within the other Parish - subject to confirmation by the programme.

In addition, only for those Parishes within East Suffolk, the Community Partnership grant provides an additional allowance of up to £300 per ROUTE which starts or ends within an ESC Parish boundary.

Use the latest Signage Worksheet from the Document Templates page and save as Excel file with the parish in the filename.

To keep the costs down, the Parish should indicate precise siting (6 digit grid references) for the posts signs and enter the details on the Lane Nomination form.

1. preference for entry sign to be on the nearside (with exit sign on its back)

2. need to allow a minimum of 0.5m clearance from the edge of the road to the roadside edge of the sign

3. need adequate sightline between approaching driver and sign

4. need to look out for manhole covers in verge and avoid siting post on likely route of underground service (gas, water etc)

5. need to avoid being too close to hedges that may grow out and obscure the sign

6. need to look out for overhead cables which may impeded installation

7. need to avoid placing in visibility splays at junctions or restrict visibility for drivers leaving their properties

8. need to avoid too close a proximity to existing electricity or telephone poles

NB. Dead-end lanes will just need one post, with an entry and exit sign. Any intersecting roads may also need a post and signs too. All need to be included on the Lane Nomination form so that they can be mapped and costed.

Upon successful consultation and designation, SCC designers will then visit the lane(s) to check the suitability of the positions and produce job packs for the construction teams, which will include CDM risk assessments and a search for utilities.

Volunteers are encouraged to join our Facebook Private Group and collaborate / self-help with the the wider team of volunteers

• if you are not already a member of our private group, 'Like' our Facebook public page and you shall be invited to join the private group for Parish volunteer leads.