Another new ‘School Street’ trial is set to begin at Ruette des Delisles, near Les Beaucamps High School.
The initiative aims to improve safety and encourage walking and cycling during term time, and will run from this week until 3 November.
The lower, western section of Ruette des Delisles will be closed to most vehicles, with the road closed on weekdays for half an hour from 08.00, and again from 15.00.
The closure does not apply to cyclists and emergency vehicles, and the main car park for Les Beaucamps High School will remain accessible from Les Beaucamps Road.
For those travelling from the south and west, the States have suggested Le Viage car park as an alternative drop-off and pick-up point.
Martin Haimes, the Principal of Les Beaucamps High School, noted that managing traffic at the beginning and end of the school day is “always a challenge” and sees the trial as an opportunity to make the experience safer for students, staff and families.
He concluded: “I look forward to seeing the impact of the trial in the weeks ahead.”
The trial is being monitored by Traffic and Highway Services, in collaboration with the school community. If successful, a full 12-month statutory trial and a more formal period of consultation may follow.
Les Beaucamps is the latest school to trial a ‘School Street’, with a trial of La Vieille Rue, just outside St Sampsons High, beginning last Thursday (4 September).
La Houguette Primary School also saw success following a week-long feasibility trial which took place in May last year. That was followed by an official, year-long trial that began in January.
Paul James, the Road Safety Officer for Traffic and Highway Services, stated that the trial is a “positive step” to create safer, calmer routes for students and to encourage walking and cycling habits. He believes this will benefit both the students and the wider community in the long term.
Mr James said: “We look forward to trialing our next School Street on Ruette des Delisles. We know the start and end of the school day can be particularly busy, so creating safer, calmer routes for students to walk or cycle is a positive step.
“If we can encourage more young people to build these habits now, it will benefit them and the wider community well into the future.”
The States have said feedback on the trial is welcome via email at ‘traffic@gov.gg’, or by post to:
Traffic and Highway Services,
Edward T Wheadon House,
Le Truchot,
St Peter Port,
GY1 3WH.