TRANSPORT AND TECHNICAL SERVICES
âFILTER IN TURNâ SIGNAGE
Purpose of the Report
To consider the installation of âfilter in turnâ signage at certain junctions and to consider a revision to the sign used at âfilter in turnâ junctions.
Background
The Parish of St Helier Roads Committee has asked the Minister to consider the introduction of âfilter in turnâ signs at several junctions.
Discussion
âFilter in turnâ is a system of junction control used successfully for many years in both Jersey and Guernsey but not known to be used elsewhere in Europe.
It encourages courteous driving behaviour which in turn can be expected to be beneficial to road safety.
For varying traffic management reasons, over several years the system has been removed at a number of junctions in St Helier. Consequently the only locations with formal âfilter in turnâ signage are Victoria Avenue westbound at Bel Royal and the Beaumont Hill / La Route de la Haule junction.
âFilter in turnâ is best suited at junctions where approaching traffic from two directions should be given equal priority, traffic volumes are significant and similar, and traffic exits the junction in one traffic lane. At junctions of that description âfilter in turnâ is a proven efficient and safe method of control. However at other junctions, give way, traffic signals, roundabouts or merging junctions may be more appropriate.
Several junctions operate unofficially as âfilter in turnsâ, particularly at peak times, without signage. In order to support and perpetuate the practice there are three junctions as listed below which meet the above criteria and it is therefore proposed that they are signed as âfilter in turnâ.
St Saviourâs Road / LâAvenue et Dolmen du PrĂ© des LumiĂšres
St Saviourâs Road / St Markâs Road
Springfield Road / La Petite Rue de Val Plaisant
The use of âfilter and turnâ is prescribed in the Jersey Highway code. The current sign (No. 828J) is prescribed in the âother informatory signsâ section of the Traffic Signs (Jersey) Order 1968. Sign No. 828J is a rectangular plate with black letters âFILTER IN TURNâ on a white background. There are no articles in the Order prescribing its meaning and a road user must refer to the Jersey Highway code for guidance. It is proposed to prescribe a new regulatory sign based on the current âgive wayâ red triangle sign as shown below. A red triangle is internationally recognised as meaning âgive wayâ and although non English speaking road users may not understand the âfilter in turnâ wording they would know that they should give way.

The significance of the sign shown above will be that â
(a) where vehicles from two roads are waiting to enter the area controlled by the sign; or
(b) where vehicles from two lanes of the same carriageway of a road are about to enter a single lane of that carriageway,
they must do so in turn.
The new sign and associated article will be included in a revised Road Traffic (Signs) Order 201- which is being prepared, but until the new Order is made, the Minister can approve the use of the above sign by Ministerial Decision in accordance with Article 72 of the Road Traffic (Jersey) Law 1956.
Recommendation
The minister is recommended to approve the use of the âfilter in turnâ system at the three above mentioned junctions and the use of the new âfilter in turnâ sign.
Reason(s) for Decision
To provide a safe and efficient form of junction control and to approve the use of a new sign.
Resource Implications
Installation by TTS direct labour of six signs at an estimated total cost of ÂŁ1,000.
Action Required
TTS to install the required signs.
Written by: | Manager - Transport Policy |
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Approved by: | Director - Transport |
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