Plans published to slow traffic on main commuter road

Thursday 25 January 2018

A new road safety scheme including pedestrian crossings has been unveiled for one of the main commuter routes into town, after islanders expressed concerns for safety.

The Infrastructure Department says 60% of those who answered questions in September 2017 wanted changes to making crossing the busy main Longueville Road between Rue des Prés trading estate and Plat Douet school made easier.

Improvement options include a pedestrian crossing by the bus stop outside the Longueville Business Centre, one by Miladi shopping precinct and another further up the road by the houses at Les Serres. 

Picture: Pedestrian crossing options for Longueville Road put forward for public comment. 

The plan is also to add road markings to remind drivers of the road speed limit change between 40mph to 30mph at the bottom of Grouville Hill. 

St. Saviour Constable Sadie Rennard says she has been “trying desperately” to make the Longueville Road safer since 2011. She told Express: “According to the Department of Infrastructure the road isn’t busy. We clocked a motor cyclist going 120mph along that road. People don’t realise the smiley cameras actually record people’s speeds.”

Islanders can have their say on the Longueville Road changes – which are due to be made later this year - at Plat Douet school tonight between 17:00 and 20:00. The consultation closes on 1 February 2018.

The Infrastructure Minister, Deputy Eddie Noel said: “I would like to thank everyone who contributed to the first phase of the consultation last September, which has enabled us put together these proposals. I hope all those who took part last time will do so again and we would also welcome any newcomers. Together we will make the road safer for pedestrians and other road users.”

Picture: Some of the road improvements being considered to ease St Saviour school 'rat run' along La Chasse Brunet.

More road changes have also been proposed elsewhere in the Parish to address the so-called ‘rat run’ around three schools and a residential area.

A 'virtual' footpath, changes to traffic direction and splitting a lane into two cul de sacs have been put out for consultation. It’s hoped the changes suggested for La Chasse Brunet - which links Grainville School, FCJ and St. Saviour's Primary school – will make more people walk to school, reduce traffic at peak times, make the area safer and students more active.

But these options include 'shared space' used by both pedestrians and vehicles, loss of parking and narrower roads. The St Saviour’s Safer Routes to School consultation closes on the 8 February.