The road was closed to traffic last year to help people to socially distance during the pandemic. Infrastructure Minister Kevin Lewis has said that he intends to reopen Broad Street to traffic when he is advised that is safe to do so.
However, Mr Crowcroft is requesting that the States maintain the restrictions for the remainder of 2021 and also that work is carried out with the parish to enhance the ‘appeal and the vibrancy’ of the area and look at improvements such as parking for disabled drivers, alternative bus routes and cycling access.
If Members approve the proposition, the minister would be required to report on whether the scheme was successful by the end of the year.
Mr Crowcroft’s report says: ‘It is regrettable that in over a year since the new access arrangements have been in place in Broad Street such steps have not been taken by the government, and that it is intended to allow the street to revert to its former role as St Helier’s “Inner Ring Road”.
‘It is also to be regretted that my requests that the minister take the simple steps necessary to re-route the number 19 bus to allow convenient central access for bus passengers at the top of Broad Street by the Philip Le Sueur Obelisk, even on a trial basis, have been refused, although the recent announcement of a trial town ‘hopper’ bus service is welcome news.
‘It is difficult to understand the government’s reluctance to seize the opportunity to “build back better” in Broad Street, given that this proposal is consistent with States’ strategic policies, including successive Island Plans, transport policies, environmental, health and sports strategies, for more than two decades.’
The proposition is due to be debated on 11 May.
