The current trial of Guernsey’s fifth ‘school street’ is going to last into the next school year.
Vehicle access around Castel Primary School has been restricted since the start of this term as part of an ‘informal trial’ – following the success of the ‘school street’ scheme elsewhere in the island.
The initial trial was due to come to an end over the May half term, but a ‘formal trial’ will now start on 1 June continuing the restrictions for at least nine months.
It means that motorists can’t drive along Ruette de la Generotte (between the junction with Ruette de Fries and the junction with Mont D’Aval and Rue des Deslisles) or Rue de la Masse (between the junction with Rue St Germain and the junction with Mont D’Aval and Rue des Deslisles) between 08:15 and 09:00 and 14:45 and 15:30 on school days, unless they are accessing properties along those roads.
Cyclists and school buses are allowed to continue using the roads.
Paul James, Traffic and Highway Services Road Safety Officer, said active travel is encouraged.
“This is another step forward in encouraging greater use of alternative transport on our roads by creating safer access for the school community and those passing through the area around Castel Primary School. I am pleased that we can move forward with a formal trial, which allows vulnerable road users to travel in a much safer and pleasant environment and adds to the success of School Street schemes elsewhere in the island.”
Pete Curtis, Headteacher at Castel Primary School, hopes everyone makes the most of the trial to see if a permanent school street can work for his pupils.
“Extending the trial for Castel Primary School provides an important opportunity,” he said.
“A longer period will allow us to properly assess how the scheme functions across different seasons, traffic patterns, and school activities. It also gives us more time and a greater evidence base to understand what is working well and what needs to be improved or adapted. My focus is on ensuring that, with the benefit of a full trial, we can make informed decisions and refine the scheme so that it is as safe, effective, and successful as possible for everyone who uses the area.”
School streets
The ‘school Street’ scheme started elsewhere before being picked up here.
It involves closing a road near to a school to most vehicles during peak drop-off and pick-up times while promoting the use of alternative transport for students – including walking and cycling.
The aim is a safer, healthier, and more pleasant environment for those on their journey to and from a school.
Guernsey already has two school streets on a permanent basis and two in the formal trial period.
St Martin’s Primary was first to initiate the scheme followed by La Houguette Primary.
There are trials underway near both St Sampson’s and Les Beaucamps high schools.
The current informal trial at Castel Primary School will continue until this Friday, when schools break up for half-term. The formal trial will then begin on Monday 1 June.
The formal trial will last for ‘a minimum of nine months and a maximum of 12 months’ taking it until at least next February.
During this time, Traffic & Highway Services will monitor its usage and operational times and share findings with the Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure.
A decision will then be made on whether the Castel school street should be made permanent.