North Plantation changes to allow more al fresco dining
TRIAL traffic arrangements at the North Plantation aim to provide more space for al fresco eating and drinking. [12 May]
From tomorrow, loading and unloading will be allowed between 5am and 10am without a permit and short-term permits will be required to do it outside those hours.
There will be no general access for vehicles after 10am and access to the small number of off-road parking areas in North Plantation will be by permit only.
Traffic & Highway Services said the new scheme was intended to provide a safer area for shoppers and more space for outdoor eating and drinking. It would allow more shared space and enable businesses to use what space there was more creatively.
Permit holders will be able to exit North Plantation at the Guernsey Information Centre entrance end, against the existing one-way system, because it is anticipated that the northern end will be blocked off by the likely introduction of al fresco facilities at The Thomas de la Rue.
Traffic & Highway Services will have staff on site next week to provide advice and guidance to anyone in the area.
Nelio Ponte has run his deli there for four years.
He said people would no doubt need time to get used to the new arrangement but he thought it could benefit the area.
‘People prefer to cross the road and walk along the North Esplanade because of the amount of traffic that comes through here,’ he said.
‘I’m not sure if it will bring more people to the area but the road will be almost closed so it should be safer.’
Traffic & Highway Services said in recent times there had been more incidents of people ignoring time restrictions in the road which protect pedestrians and illegal parking there.
Village East manager Norberto Alves said that, in an ideal world, he would like to create a decked area for diners outside his restaurant.
‘It would be nice if they could close it from both ends and have access to the middle section via the link at the back of the Tourist Information Centre.
‘I appreciate that the emergency services need access too.
‘Anything that brings more people to the area and makes it safer will be good as far as I’m concerned.’
Village East restaurant makes applications to the Royal Court yearly to extend its existing al fresco area into the road outside on Seafront Sundays.
Environment & Infrastructure president Barry Brehaut said: ‘The changes to North Plantation will provide an added attraction in the Town centre for islanders and visitors alike.
‘I’m confident it will also benefit businesses in the area by allowing them to offer something more and by increasing footfall.’
