DEPARTMENT FOR INFRASTRUCTURE
ST CLEMENT’S SAFER ROUTES TO SCHOOL
Purpose of the Report
To approve the installation of three raised tables in the vicinity of the schools in St Clement and the trial blockage of Rue du Maupertuis to make the road a no through road in support of the States of Jersey Strategic Plan and the Sustainable Transport Policy to improve walking and cycling.
Background
The States of Jersey Sustainable Transport Policy sets out the goal of reducing car use by encouraging walking, cycling and the use of public transport.
Surveys by Le Rocquier School show that around 400 students attending the school come from the Le Marais and Le Squez areas. Of these, circa 140 regularly walk or cycle from the west via Rue du Maupertuis. There have been safety concerns raised within the school travel plan for pupils travelling to Le Rocquier from the west.
These numbers are likely to increase following the new residential development at Samares Nurseries. There is provision within the planning application for this development to provide field paths linking to Rue du Maupertuis.
Discussion
There are three schools within the area – Le Rocquier secondary school and St Clement and St Christopher’s primary schools.
Safety concerns have been raised regarding the conflicts occurring during school drop-off and pick up times between pedestrians and cyclists with vehicles. There are no footways linking the Le Marais and Le Squez areas to the schools. During busy times at the start and end of the school day, the roads are dominated by school pupils. These pupils are often in conflict with motorists, many of whom are going to / from the schools to drop off / collect pupils.
The proposals are for:
- Installation of a raised table on Rue de Samares at the junctions with Rue du Maupertuis and Rue de la Croix
- Installation of a raised table on Pontorson Lane at the junction with Rue de la Croix and Rue de la Chapelle
- Installation of a raised table on Pontorson Lane circa midway between the raised table at the junction and the raised table at the exit to the Le Rocquier School path
- Trialling Rue du Maupertuis as a no through road by installing a planter designed to be moved by the Parish if required for a period of 12 months.
The raised tables at the junctions will reduce the speed of vehicles which will help with visibility, making the movement of pedestrians safer. The raised table on Pontorson Lane between the junction and school path is to prevent the increase in speed between the two raised tables in line with best practise.
By trialling the closure of Rue du Maupertuis to through traffic will create a safer environment for all walkers and cyclists. The trial will then be assessed after a period of 12 months.
Two drop in sessions were held, one at Le Rocquier School and one at the Good Companions Club on Rue du Maupertuis. The banners were also left at Le Rocquier School for pupils to comment on and at the Parish Hall for the parishioners who were unable to attend either drop in session.
There were 137 questionnaires completed throughout the consultation period. Of those, 77% said there was a need for improvements to the area and 72% believe that the proposals would be of benefit.
There were also 16 comments left on the gov.je website relating to the proposals. However, the results of these comments were that 37% believed there was a need for improvement and the same percentage said the proposals would be of benefit.
Refer to Consultation report for full analysis of the consultations.
The Parish of St Clement is supportive of the interventions.
Conclusion
The scheme will provide safety benefits and encourage walking and cycling by older pupils to school. It will also encourage more walking / cycling / scootering by primary age children with their parents.
A trial closure of Rue du Maupertuis is considered viable to confirm the level of impact on neighbouring roads.
Recommendation
The Minister is recommended to approve the proposed highway installations.
Reason(s) for Decision
To improve pedestrian safety in the vicinity of the three schools in St Clement, in accordance with States of Jersey Strategic Plan and the Sustainable Transport Policy.
Resource Implications
Funding from capital expenditure and POA money.
Action Required
Detailed design by Transport Implementation. Handover to design and implementation teams.
Written by: | Assistant Engineer – Transport Policy |
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Approved by: | Director of Transport |
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Attachments: | Consultation Report |