A TRIAL scheme which aims to improve facilities for pedestrian and bus users outside Trinity Primary School has been called a “costly folly” by some residents, while others have raised concerns that the road is now too narrow for the parish’s Battle of Flowers float to pass.
The government trial follows a recent survey which highlighted difficulties with crossing over to the playing fields and waiting for the bus on the busy road.
But 20mph speed limits have been imposed by “stealth”, according to some local residents, who have reacted with confusion and anger to the measures, which they say are unnecessary.
Infrastructure Minister Andy Jehan stressed that this was a trial scheme and that the consultation period would open on 9 September.
The Infrastructure and Environment Department has created a temporary footpath to narrow the road and provide improved crossing places.
A full-time 20mph speed limit has also replaced the part-time 20mph speed limit.
Mr Jehan encouraged all Islanders to give their feedback, adding: “All comments will be valuable in shaping a permanent scheme.”
While the government press office did not directly answer the JEP’s request for the reason that the particular width – a reported 12ft 1in – was chosen, Mr Jehan said he had been “working closely with the Constable of Trinity [Philip Le Sueur] and with the Trinity School community to ensure the scheme benefits parents and children”.
He said: “This is first and foremost a trial, the success of which depends on the outcome of the consultation. I look forward to reviewing the feedback.”
The government statement did not respond to this newspaper’s queries about whether Mr Jehan was aware of Islanders’ concerns about the scheme.
Dozens have flocked to social media to express their disappointment and dislike of the latest road-trial scheme.
Chris Vautier, writing on the parish’s Facebook page, said he was “very disappointed” about “yet more 20mph zones by stealth”.
“The school already had 20mph limits at appropriate times. Now the whole road from the church to the manor is another unnecessary 20mph zone.
“Can we see the specific data for this area that supports this costly folly?”
Mark Salisbury also called it an “expensive folly”.
Erik Rueb said he thought the road narrowing had been “shelved” due to “much opposition of parishioners”.
“Also some traffic signs have been put up so that means there will be no more Battle of Flowers float. It won’t pass anymore,” he said.
Michael Bisson said it was “very possible” the battle float “will have issues” to fit down the road.
Another said there was no announcement or parish notice about the works, while another shared the school head teacher’s letter from January.
A requête was previously brought by Trinity residents to force a meeting on changes to another road in the parish.
Parishioners used the ancient legal device to oblige their Constable to hold a parish assembly over a new design for the Rue ès Picots crossing.
They later withdrew the requête following amendments to plans, which meant they allowed two-way traffic to continue as opposed to there being priority to traffic from the east.
