12 February 2008
From 18 February, the traffic signals controlling the junction at Midvale Road and Rouge Bouillon will be changed to improve the safety for pedestrians. All traffic going through the junction will be halted by the lights to allow pedestrians to use the pedestrian crossing in Rouge Bouillon near the Midvale Road junction.
Transport and Technical Services has been forced to make the change, which will reduce the traffic flow capacity of the junction, because a small number of drivers have been continually ignoring the extensive amount of signage prohibiting them from turning right from Midvale Road and left from Upper Midvale Road and have been driving across the pedestrian crossing when the ‘green man’ is showing for pedestrians to cross. The department has received complaints from pedestrians and has carried out some research which endorses their concern. Fortunately, there has not been an accident so far, but the danger is too great to allow the situation to continue.
“I am disappointed that drivers have not been observing the very obvious signage, said Deputy Guy de Faye, Minister for Transport and Technical Services. “Clearly, the risk is too great to allow these illegal turns to continue to threaten pedestrian safety.”
From 18 February motorists will again be permitted to legally turn right from Midvale Road and left from Upper Midvale Road. All traffic signs prohibiting these turns will be removed.
gov.je