TRANSPORT AND TECHNICAL SERVICES
PEDESTRIAN REFUGE ISLAND ON LA ROUTE DE ST AUBIN AT BEL ROYAL
Purpose of the Report
To approve the construction of a pedestrian refuge island on La Route de St Aubin at Bel Royal.
Background
The States of Jersey Strategic Plan aims include the objective of “persuading people out of their cars” by providing improved footpaths, road crossings and other similar infrastructure. Transport and Technical Services (TTS) have been allocated funding specifically to implement these infrastructure improvements. The Parish of St Lawrence have identified to TTS that it can be difficult for pedestrians to cross La Route de St Aubin near Bel Royal.
Discussion
The Department has carried out surveys at this location to determine the number of pedestrians likely to use a pedestrian facility and the speed and volume of traffic that use this section of road. A topographical survey has also been carried out to determine the available road space that could be re-allocated for pedestrian use.
The number of pedestrians surveyed was sufficient to justify the installation of a pedestrian refuge island but not sufficient to justify the installation of a controlled crossing such as a zebra or pelican crossing. The likelihood of illegal parking within the pedestrian crossing controlled area would also be a significant hazard to pedestrians using a controlled crossing in this location.
There are bus stops in both directions in the vicinity of the proposed refuge as well as nearby Primary School, Bel Royal. A refuge island can be expected to significantly help pedestrians, bus users and Bel Royal Primary School pupils who walk to school.
The installation of a pedestrian refuge at this location requires the removal of three parking spaces in the vicinity of Bel Royal Motor Works Ltd. Bel Royal Motor Works Ltd has been consulted on the proposal and has asked that these parking spaces not be removed.
The Connétable of St Lawrence has been copied in on the exchange of letters between TTS and Bel Royal Motor Works Ltd. The Connétable has proposed that the pedestrian refuge island be trialled, using a temporary arrangement of kerbs, for a six month period. During that period the positive benefits to pedestrians would be assessed as well as the negative impacts on the garage, if any.
Conclusion
A pedestrian refuge island is the correct infrastructure to provide at this location to help pedestrians cross the road. However, the loss of parking which is required to be removed may have a detrimental effect on Bel Royal Motor Works Ltd.
Recommendation
The Minister is recommended to approve a six month trial installation of a pedestrian refuge island on La Route de St Aubin near Bel Royal and instruct his officers to monitor the use made of it by pedestrians, and to monitor the affect it has on Bel Royal Motor Works Ltd.
Reason(s) for Decision
To help pedestrians cross La Route de St Aubin
Resource Implications
The trial and any subsequent permanent structure that may be approved can be funded out of money allocated to support Sustainable Transport Initiatives such as this.
Action Required
Acting Senior Engineer to organise a trial installation of a pedestrian refuge island at this location.
Written by: | Acting Senior Engineer |
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Approved by: | Acting Director of Transport |