‘Nightmare’ crossing to be moved for safety

Traffic & Highway Services is planning to move the crossing on La Couture away from two high walls that block the view of drivers of approaching cars.

This would mean the eastern side of the crossing would be outside the Palms, a site that has recently been developed into new housing, and Brooklands on the western end.

New 6m tall street lights would be installed around the crossing.

The crossing is popular with school children, avoiding using the narrow Collings Road pavement.

Frank Hallam, who lives in a property close by, said the crossing must be moved.

‘I’ve nearly been killed 20 times crossing that road,’ he said.

‘The cars come down so fast, it’s a nightmare. Why did they ever put a crossing next to a stone wall? I’ll never understand it.’

T&HS lead officer Colin Le Page said a planning application for better lighting at the new crossing had been submitted to improve pedestrian safety.

‘The relocated crossing will make it much easier for those who are walking to see oncoming traffic and much easier for those who are driving or cycling to see those who are walking, as it is currently difficult to see people waiting at the crossing until they are relatively close to it,’ he said.

‘The project also includes flush kerbs which will improve accessibility for pedestrians.’

The crossing is used by many children who attend nearby Amherst Primary School.

Nikita Davidson uses the crossing every day with her son Mason, 7.

‘It’s a great idea to move the crossing,’ she said.

‘It’s really dangerous being here. With the wall here, no one sees you coming. I’ve had some close encounters and nearly been hit.’

Vikki Barlow and her five-year-old daughter Olivia agreed.

‘It’s not safe because the cars can’t see you. There’s been a couple of times when cars haven’t seen us, and haven’t stopped. Olivia has asked if she can walk to school, but there is no way I would let her until she’s at least 10 because of that crossing.’

St Peter Port constable Zoe Lihou said that having safer road spaces for all users, on all forms of transport, was a priority for the parish.

‘Having reviewed the application, I can see that moving the zebra crossing to an area with less obstructive walls makes the pedestrians safer and installing better lighting also enhances the safety aspect.

‘We have had issues raised by other parishioners in respect of the new LED lighting being installed by Guernsey Electric in other parts of the parish, whereby the brightness which ticks the safety box is a nuisance for domestic dwellings and they need to install blackout lighting.’

No date has yet been announced for the works.

Mr Le Page said: ‘The works will be scheduled once planning permission has been granted and will be subject to contractor availability.’

n The plans for the lighting can be seen at https://www.gov.gg/liveplanningapplications, with planning reference Full/2022/0214.