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 an improved bus service, 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, and it has been identified that the improved bus service has increased safety concerns on La Route de St Aubin at Bel Royal where buses and other large vehicles have to cross the central white line to pass vehicles parked outside the car showroom.
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 the 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 the adjacent car showroom. The removal of these parking spaces will have the added benefit of improving road safety for all road users, as large vehicles will no longer have to cross the central white line, a hazard to oncoming vehicles from St Peter’s Valley.
The Parish of St Lawrence supports the proposals.
Conclusion
A pedestrian refuge island is the correct infrastructure to provide at this location to help pedestrians cross the road. The loss of parking which is required to be removed will have the added benefit of improving road safety for all vehicles.
Recommendation
The Minister is recommended to approve the prohibition of waiting and installation of the pedestrian refuge island on La Route de St Aubin at Bel Royal.
Reason(s) for Decision
To improve road safety and help pedestrians cross La Route de St Aubin.
Resource Implications
The works can be funded from money allocated to support Sustainable Transport Initiatives such as this.
Action Required
Senior Engineer to organise the installation of a pedestrian refuge island at this location.
Written by: | Senior Engineer |
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Approved by: | Director of Transport |
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