Longfrie filter could be built to raise safety at black spot

The four-way junction between Route du Longfrie, Route de Lihou and Rue St Pierre has been the scene of a number of crashes, which is what led to the filter being installed at the start of 2017 for a 12-month trial.

‘The 12-month trial period was considered to have been a success, with only one reported accident since the introduction of the new filter,’ the spokesman said.

‘Residents adjacent to the filter, parish officials and the emergency services stated they were in favour of keeping the filter.

‘There had also been a reduction in speed of 3mph on approach to the filter along Route du Longfrie. For these reasons, the decision was taken to retain the filter on a permanent basis.’

Between January 2013 and the installation of the filter in March 2017 there had been nine reported road traffic collisions, with injuries sustained in four.

‘Despite one further collision being reported since the review, there has still been a slight reduction in the frequency of collisions since the new layout was installed,’ the spokesman said.

Since the filter was installed, the speed limit along Route de Longfrie has been reduced to 25mph and work was done to improve visibility for vehicles exiting Rue St Pierre.

‘However, Traffic and Highway Services has noted that some motorists still do not appear to be aware that the junction is under filter-in-turn control, despite all the signs and road markings, and are not approaching at a speed that would enable them to safely give way to other drivers positioned at the filter,’ the spokesman said.

‘For this reason, it is planning to install the filter on a raised table, which would make the filter more conspicuous and reduce approach speeds further.

‘Designs and costings are currently being prepared and, subject to final approval, a formal consultation on the proposal to install a raised table, as required by legislation, will take place.’