Guernsey’s newest school streets will be put to the test under official conditions from Monday.
The year-long official trial of restricting access to both La Vielle Rue near the Baubigny Schools and Ruettes des Deslisles near Les Beaucamps High School follows “informal trials” that have already taken place.
The official trials will take place under exam conditions with Traffic and Highway Services acting as invigilators, closely monitoring the use of the School Streets.
THS will then share staff’s findings with the Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure before a decision is made about whether the scheme should be made permanent.
School streets are intended to create safer access for students and staff.
They’ve already been successfully implemented near St Martin’s and La Houguette primary schools. St Sampson’s High School followed with its informal closure of La Vieille Rue during the morning and afternoon school commuter times from the beginning of the new term in September. By the end of the month Les Beaucamps had also started its own informal school street trial along Ruette des Deslisles.
The now-official trial will see both roads closed to traffic between 08:00 and 08:30 on weekdays from 1 December for 12 months.
La Vieille Rue will then close again between 14:45 and 15:30 on weekday afternoons to accommodate pupils heading home from Le Murier and Hautes Capelles Primary School too.
Ruette des Delisles will close to through traffic between 15:00 and 15:30 on weekday afternoons.
Between those times only those who are walking or cycling will be allowed to use those roads, along with any emergency vehicles and those accessing properties along the roads.
Paul James, Traffic and Highway Services Road Safety Officer, said this promotes the use of alternative transport for students and allows for a safer, healthier, and more accessible journey to school for everyone.
“After a successful informal trial for each school, we’re pleased the Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure has approved us moving onto an official trial phase,” he said.
“It brings us a step closer to implementing permanent School Streets for two of the island’s secondary schools and is another huge step forward in encouraging greater use of alternative transport on our roads.”
Vicky Godley, Principal of St Sampson’s High School, said: “Our current School Street trial proved remarkably successful – serving to empower our students to be more independent, improve their physical and mental health, and reduce their carbon footprint. I’m delighted this initiative has progressed to the next phase as we look to further encourage the use of active travel throughout the remainder of the academic year.”
Martin Haimes, Principal of Les Beaucamps High School, said: “By trialling our School Street we’re not only hoping to enhance road safety for our students, we’re also fostering a greater sense of community and a more sustainable future for them as well. I look forward to observing the results of this official trial and would welcome feedback from users throughout the trial period.”
Before any decision is made on making the two new school streets a permanent fixture, feedback will be collated from the school community – including students, staff, parents or guardians, as well as nearby residents and businesses.
Mr James said that feedback is “strongly encouraged”.
It will help the decision makers work out whether these two new school streets should be made permanent or whether any further changes are needed to make them more viable.
Anyone who would like to provide feedback on the trial can email traffic@gov.gg or write to Traffic and Highway Services, Edward T Wheadon House, Le Truchot, St Peter Port, GY1 3WH before 1 September 2026.
Further details of the scheme and how to respond to consultations can be found at gov.gg/trafficconsultations.