TRANSPORT AND TECHNICAL SERVICES
THE BATTLE OF FLOWERS ASSOCIATION’S APPLICATION TO HOLD
THE BATTLE OF FLOWERS 2009
Purpose of the Report
To accompany the signature copy of the ‘Battle of Flowers (Jersey) Order 2009’ enabling road closures and traffic restrictions for the purpose of holding the Battle of Flowers on Thursday 13th August 2009 and the Moonlight Parade on Friday 14th August 2009.
Background
The Promoter (Battle of Flowers Association) has submitted details of its proposed road closures for the 2009 event. The event is enabled by Order of the Transport and Technical Services Minister under Article 2 of the “Entertainments on Public Roads (Jersey) Law 1985”.
As per the requirements of the Law, a draft Order has been prepared and circulated to the Connétables of St Helier and St Lawrence for consultation. The Promoter has also supplied proof of public liability Insurance.
Discussion
As per 2008 the event arena will be from West Park to First Tower, with the seated stadium area on lay-bys 1 and 2 and the Lower West Park. Lay-by 3 will be utilised for ‘standing only’ viewing and Lay-by 4 for coach / disabled parking.
Millbrook Field has been made available to the Battle this year however, lay-bys 5 and 6 will be used as a rendezvous point for floats before entering the field.
The Parking Control Section has approved the closure of all lay-bys in accordance with the Order. However, the Department continues to raise concerns over the prolonged use of lay-bys 1 and 2, due to their importance to commuters and income value (with eight and nine chargeable days lost respectively).
Traffic management will be as per 2008, therefore Victoria Avenue (and its approach roads) will be fully closed between Bel Royal and Victoria Avenue between 9.30 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Thursday 13th August 2009 and again between 6.15 p.m. and midnight on Friday 14th August 2009. This closure will continue until 3 a.m. on Saturday morning for Victoria Avenue, east of First Tower.
In addition the following traffic measures will be introduced during full closure of Victoria Avenue:
- The section of St. Peter’s Valley from the junction of Rue du Haut to Bel Royal will be closed to all southbound traffic except for buses and HGV's. Traffic will be diverted along Rue du Haut to its junction with La Route de St. Aubin, thus relieving the Bel Royal junction.
- La Rue du Haut will be closed to traffic travelling west from its junction with Le Mont Cambrai.
- Rue de la Ville Emphire will be made one way westbound.
- Portable Traffic Signals will be placed on La Route de St. Aubin and La Route de la Haule to manage traffic through the Bel Royal bus lay-by.
Finally, the east entry arch will be erected in its normal position at West Park and the western arch is likely to be erected at the western end of lay-by 2. Other details are as per the 2008 Order.
Recommendation
The Minister is recommended to approve the Battle of Flowers (Jersey) Order 2009 as prepared.
Reason(s) for Decision
Further to MD-T-2009-0045, enabling preparation of the Order and following statutory consultations, the proposed road closures and associated traffic management are reasonable and justified.
Resource Implications
TTS’ Road Signs and Markings Section to provide assistance to the Honorary Police in putting out traffic signs prior to the start of the event on Thursday 13th August 2009 and collecting / storing traffic signs after the event on the following Monday. The Promoter is charged for this service on a cost basis.
Action Required
To notify the Greffier of the States and the Law Draftsman that the Order has been made and forward the signed and sealed Order to the Publications Editor, States Greffe, for notification to the States.
Written by: Streetworks Manager
Approved by: Director, Municipal Services