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Trinity's Constable has said he is committed to addressing all concerns about proposals to change traffic flows around the church after the plans received vociferous disapproval from some parishioners.
Philip Le Sueur emailed parishioners this week to say that he had taken these concerns into account, which would be “balanced with the needs of those who live alongside the roads that are impacted”.
Last Saturday, a ‘community drop-in session’ was held at the parish hall, where detailed of the Government’s ‘Trinity Village Improvement Scheme’ were shared.
Such was the negative reaction from some parishioners – including members of the Roads Committee – that Infrastructure Minister Tom Binet pledged to pause plans to build a better consensus.
After a seven-month consultation process, the Government has proposed one of three options it put to islanders, 222 of whom responded to an online survey.
This option – branded ‘Character Enhancement’ – includes making Rue au Sellier one-way northbound and adding a raised table near the Acorn entrance, making Rue au Presbytère one-way southbound, preventing westbound traffic continuing into Rue d’Asplet, and creating a pedestrian crossing near the entrance to Le Grand Clos.
Pictured: Trinity Constable Philip Le Sueur: "We have agreed to review the feedback from Saturday’s exhibition."
At a workshop of 31 parishioners last November, this option was the most popular among attendees.
However, criticisms of this scheme which have subsequently surfaced include concern that it will push traffic onto quieter roads and lanes in the parish, including Rue Jacques to the south and Rue de la Petite Falaise to the north.
In his recent correspondence to parishioners, Mr Le Sueur said: “I am in discussion with the Minister for Infrastructure and we have agreed to review the feedback from Saturday’s exhibition and consider this in conjunction with the outturn of the current wider consultation on speed limits.”
He added: “I want to be clear that I am committed to reaching a conclusion that is in the best interests of all concerned and reviewing how the proposals might be modified to address the concerns that have been raised, while maintaining a focus on improving key walking routes to facilities such as the shop, the Trinity Arms the Parish Hall, the Church and Acorn.
“I will be meeting with the Minister again in the coming weeks to discuss the matter further and will keep parishioners updated on our progress.”
Those supporting the road changes include the cycle advocacy group Cycle 4 Jersey.
A spokesperson said: “I would encourage the Minister to have courage in his convictions and faith in the consultation process that has delivered the mandate to proceed with the plans and hold firm on this election promise to make bold and tough decisions.
“The Minister needs to support his officers who are engineering and qualified transport planning experts, who are considerably more knowledgeable than virtually all those protesting or indeed in favour of the plans.”
The spokesperson added: “If we want to see Jersey progressing in its active travel ambitions, we need to forge ahead with plans such as those suggested.
“To continually bow down to the motor vehicle lobby group will ultimately not deliver the island’s net zero targets.
“So, while there will undoubtedly be some frustrations, over time these will undoubtedly dissipate as these will be far outweighed by the multiple benefits of fewer cars rushing through the village.
“With our roads becoming busier, the changes will enable children to cycle safely to school, and the elderly able to cross from Les Maisons Cabot to the parish hall and back without issue, among other positives.”
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