Philip Blake says cars running lights is a ‘widespread problem’ in Jersey with, on average, one driver being prosecuted every other day for the offence.
The lights at Gloucester Street, outside Helvetia House School in Elizabeth Place and at the junction outside the main entrance of Howard Davis Park are particular problem areas, according to Mr Blake.
In total 184 people were prosecuted in Jersey for driving through red lights last year, compared with 145 up to the end of September this year. Three of those prosecuted this year have lost their licences after being convicted for dangerous driving.
Last year a mother pushing a pram narrowly missed being hit by a teenage driver who jumped a red light at Cheapside. The incident was caught on camera and caused outrage online after it was posted and shared on social media. The 17-year-old behind the wheel later pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and was banned from the road for three months.
This week the UK charity Brake has launched its annual road safety campaign, Drive Less – Live More, which aims to cut the number of cars on the road. The Jersey Road Safety Panel, which consists of Mr Blake and senior firefighters, police officers and civil servants, are focusing on the dangers of vehicles jumping red lights during their version of the campaign.
Mr Blake said: ‘There are a number of hotspots around the ring road where this is happening. Motorists are running the risk of being T-boned as they exit junctions as well as the possibility of injuring pedestrians trying to cross the road.
‘We have had a couple of accidents so far this year and going by the speed that some cars approach the lights on Gloucester Street heading to the Esplanade there is significant potential for a really serious accident.
‘I think sadly it is only a matter of time before someone is killed. That is why we have to remind people of their obligation to look out for others’ safety on the roads.’
Ray Cooper, chief executive of Headway Jersey, which supports Islanders who have suffered head injuries and their families, said drivers jumping red lights was too common in Jersey.
‘It only takes a moment to have a life changed dramatically and at Headway we see all too often the results of a momentary lapse in concentration or a risk taken to save a minute or two. Road accidents can result in a brain injury, and perhaps if people saw the results they would think twice about taking that chance. Remember, a brain injury not only affects the person who suffers it but also the entire family,’ he said.
Mother Kate Kirk contacted Mr Blake to highlight the dangers she believes she and other pedestrians face on a regular basis and said she felt she was putting herself in danger every time she crossed Gloucester Street.
‘As often as not when we’re trying to cross the road in rush hour – particularly in the morning – when the green man comes on for pedestrians, traffic is regularly still coming round the corner, at speed, to get through an amber or red light at the bottom of Gloucester Street. It can feel as if you’re putting your life at risk when you use that crossing,’ she said.
