Charing Cross, St. Helier: Trial closure and pedestrianisation

Information about the publication of Ministerial Decisions

A formal published “Ministerial Decision” is required as a record of the decision of a Minister (or an Assistant Minister where they have delegated authority) as they exercise their responsibilities and powers.

Ministers are elected by the States Assembly and have legal responsibilities and powers as “corporation sole” under the States of Jersey Law 2005 by virtue of their office and in their areas of responsibility, including entering into agreements, and under any legislation conferring on them powers.

An accurate record of “Ministerial Decisions” is vital to effective governance, including:

demonstrating that good governance, and clear lines of accountability and authority, are in place around decisions-making – including the reasons and basis on which a decision is made, and the action required to implement a decision
providing a record of decisions and actions that will be available for examination by States Members, and Panels and Committees of the States Assembly; the public, organisations, and the media; and as a historical record and point of reference for the conduct of public affairs

Ministers are individually accountable to the States Assembly, including for the actions of the departments and agencies which discharge their responsibilities.

The Freedom of Information Law (Jersey) Law 2011 is used as a guide when determining what information is be published. While there is a presumption toward publication to support of transparency and accountability, detailed information may not be published if, for example, it would constitute a breach of data protection, or disclosure would prejudice commercial interest.

A decision made 23 May 2016:

Decision Reference: MD-T-2016-0047

Decision Summary Title :

Trial closure of Charing Cross to vehicles

Date of Decision Summary:

18 May 2016

Decision Summary Author:

Assistant Engineer

Transport Policy

Decision Summary:

Public or Exempt?

Public

Type of Report:

Oral or Written?

Written

Person Giving

Oral Report:

N/A

Written Report

Title :

Trial Closure of Charing Cross to Vehicles

Date of Written Report:

18 May 2016

Written Report Author:

Assistant Engineer

Transport Policy

Written Report :

Public or Exempt?

Public

Subject: To approve the trial closure and pedestrianisation of Charing Cross between Broad Street and Sand Street in support of the States of Jersey Strategic Plan and the Future St Helier initiative.

Decision(s): The Minister approved the trial closure and pedestrianisation of Charing Cross to all vehicles except cycles

Reason(s) for Decision: To improve the public realm by increasing the quality and quantity of public spaces – streets, squares, parks, other green space – and the links between them in the vicinity of Charing Cross, in accordance with the States of Jersey Strategic Plan and the Future St Helier initiative.

Resource Implications: The anticipated cost of the trial implementation is £5,000 which is to be funded as part of the Department’s Sustainable Transport and Road Safety Schemes programme.

Action required: Publication of an Article 68 notice, installation of planters and appropriate signage, temporary tarmac ramp and marking out of unloading bay. Work on site will be carried out by States of Jersey’s Direct Labour Organisation.

Signature:

Position:

Minister for Infrastructure

Date Signed:

Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed):

Charing Cross, St. Helier: Trial closure and pedestrainisation

DEPARTMENT FOR INFRASTRUCTURE

TRIAL PEDESTRIANISATION OF CHARING CROSS BETWEEN BROAD STREET

AND SAND STREET

Purpose of the Report

To approve the trial closure and pedestrianisation of Charing Cross between Broad Street and Sand Street in support of the States of Jersey Strategic Plan and the Future St Helier initiative.

Background

The town of St Helier is one of the key priorities of the 2015-2018 States of Jersey Strategic Plan where it is intended to create a high quality urban environment where attractive, well-used public spaces meet the needs of town residents and visitors. As part of the Future St Helier, a Public Realm Strategy is being developed to increase the quality and quantity of public space – streets, squares, parks, other green space – and the links between them.

As part of the ‘Future St Helier’ initiative, the Department for Infrastructure, in partnership with the Department of the Environment and the Parish of St Helier, plan to start a trial road closure as part of the process of improving the public realm.

Discussion

The Department has identified the area of Charing Cross between Broad Street and Sand Street as being a high pedestrian use area with a limited number of vehicle movements. Recent traffic surveys have shown that 91% of movements are pedestrian whilst 7% are vehicular movements. During peak periods of the day up to 2,300 pedestrians per hour walk along the route whereas the total number of motor vehicles is under 100 vehicles per hour. The pavements vary in width; in places as narrow as 1.2m and pedestrians spill out into the road at busy times.

Local businesses within the area have been canvassed on their views. The feedback was generally positive and the trial is welcomed.

A drop-in session was held in the Town Hall during the lunch period on 26 April 2016. Of the completed questionnaires received on the day, 75% were in favour of the trial. However, those who commented by social media and did not attend the drop-in session were against the proposal with only 16% being in favour.

The existing unloading bay on Sand Street will be unaffected by the works. The unloading bay on Castle Cross at the junction with Sand Street will be re-aligned to maintain the spaces provided.

It is proposed that the trial will prohibit all vehicles except cycles along the length of the road. An Article 68 notice will be published outlining this.

The desired walking route for pedestrians will change following the removal of vehicles, with more people walking down the centre of the road. To be able to return to the pavement at Sand Street, a temporary tarmac ramp will be provided up to the pavement.

Following completion of the trial a stage 3 Road Safety Audit will take place.

Conclusion

The scheme will provide safety benefits and encourage walking. With the low vehicular use, the closure is not predicted to cause significant congestion. A trial is considered viable.

Recommendation

The Minister is recommended to approve the trial closure of Charing Cross to all vehicles except cycles.

Reason(s) for Decision

To improve pedestrian safety and the public realm in the vicinity of Charing Cross, in accordance with the States of Jersey Strategic Plan and the Future St Helier initiative.

Resource Implications

The anticipated cost of the trial implementation is £5,000 which is to be funded as part of the Department’s Sustainable Transport and Road Safety Schemes programme.

Action Required

Publication of an Article 68 notice, installation of planters and appropriate signage, temporary tarmac ramp and marking out of unloading bay. Work on site will be carried out by States of Jersey’s Direct Labour Organisation.

Written by:	Assistant Engineer – Transport Policy

Approved by:	Director of Transport

Attachments:	Map

Y:\Minister\2016\Ministerial Decisions\MD 00 Trial Closure of Charing Cross\WR Trial Closure of Charing Cross.docx