Traffic layout is not safe

It is what we do. Not perfect, but generally very good.

We have all expressed concern regarding the revised traffic layout in St Peter Port. One of frustration yes, but more importantly, the safety of all users.

Pedestrians, cruise liner tourists, cyclists, motorcyclists, car, van, truck and bus users.

Layout

The road layout causes safety concerns in many areas.

Consider this example, from a motorist or cyclist's point of view. Let's say you are travelling from North to South. St Sampson's to St Martin's/Airport, up Le Val des Terres.

From Salarie Corner one is now caused to align with the right-hand lane early, so as to obtain the correct position entering the main roundabout at the Weighbridge. This leaves the left-hand lane to North Beach virtually empty, 90% of the time. The single line of traffic entering the roundabout results in a snarl up within the roundabout, due to all South-bound traffic being in the right-hand lane.

One then drives to the Crown Pier junction in the right-hand lane. Again, the left-hand lane is virtually empty, 90% of the time. Vehicles finding themselves inadvertently in the left-hand lane, due to habit, or lack of planning / anticipation, are desperately trying to then get across into the right-hand lane with many reluctant drivers unwilling to allow them in.

From the Crown Pier traffic lights into a single-lane, with vast amounts of tarmac hashed out, to arrive at the pedestrian 'courtesy crossing'. (Not to be confused with a zebra crossing and where most drivers oblige the waiting pedestrian). Continue around the Albert statue in two lanes, then back into one lane, then through the traffic lights at the bus terminus, back into two lanes.

So, we have effectively the left-hand lane from Salarie Corner through to the Town Church virtually empty. One just has to look and take notice at the amount of 'free' tarmac one can see in these areas at any time, both in slack and busy periods.

Hazards

Traffic, which could be in two lanes, is now in one. Additional congestion at the roundabout. Drivers in the Crown Pier lane desperately trying to get into the correct lane from, unpredictably, anywhere along its length, from literally on the roundabout, right up to the Crown Pier. Additional, lane changing increases risk.

A further factor; we are now seeing 'smart' drivers who are using the left-hand lane to the Crown Pier, with no intention of using the pier, but simply nipping across the by-pass route on the Crown Pier, adjacent to the main road, then back out into the main stream as soon as the pedestrian traffic lights allow. Hence jumping the queue. As more drivers cotton on to this idea, the resultant increase in road rage is inevitable. (Literally, watch this space.)

Onto the pedestrian 'courtesy crossing' at the Town Church. Experienced HGV drivers have said there are serious blind spots surrounding this pedestrian/vehicle juncture, particularly driving from South to North. Approaching the courtesy crossing intersection, a vehicle's own mirrors can blind out any pedestrians standing at the point where they are just about to step out into the vehicle's path. This is caused by the new angle of approach. Of course, extreme caution is required, but even more so with this new layout.

Conclusion

The pedestrian courtesy crossing would appear to be at the crux of this entire new scheme. But what has changed? Seemingly, increased awareness, in terms of the volume, of cruise-liner passengers. There may of course be other less obvious reasons Environment are adamant change is required.

Consider – reconsider

• Revert the cruise-liner passengers drop off/collection point back to White Rock/North Beach.

Develop this area fit for this purpose, to meet and greet.

• Shuttle bus cruise-liner passengers into the heart of St Peter Port. (e.g. drop-off / collection points at Town Church Square or somewhere central).

Additional bus costs, yes, but minuscule compared to undesired current road layout changes. (Airports manage to shuttle passengers from aircraft to terminal).

A seasonal, on demand, non-permanent bus transfer service would suffice.

(Or road train, as recent writers have suggested).

Harbour users are crying out for this reinstatement – fishermen, pleasure craft users etc.

Keep the cruise-liner tenders in the former, very straightforward access area, with no or little impingement on other harbour users.

Solution

Please consider a review of the recent changes. Consider putting all options back on the table. This current scheme has increased the risk to more users, not just pedestrians.

If we agree that the safety of pedestrians crossing the road by the Town Church is the crux of the matter in terms of risk, Environment will no doubt have considered: a zebra crossing; a traffic light controlled crossing; a Pelican crossing (pedestrian light-controlled crossing); a Puffin crossing (Pedestrian User – friendly intelligent crossing); a pedestrian bridge; a pedestrian refuge (mid-traffic island).

Clearly, no one is suggesting there is an easy fix.

The Environment Department has been bold to pursue a change for the better, and change may well be required.

That said, this scheme is not working and is effectively more dangerous to more road users, across the entire user spectrum.

Name and address

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