Traffic schemes not based on evidence

Some years ago when I was in charge of the traffic department at the police, we started a scheme together with the States engineers called the Accident Study Group. This was formed so that various accident spots could be analysed and a determination made as to whether remedial work was required or not. This was to counter the many statements such as ‘this is an accident waiting to happen’, most often from the then members of the States, when in fact there was no evidence that this was the case. And I stress the word evidence as this department appears to suggest schemes based on no evidence at all other than ‘it will reduce accidents’. Really, how do you know?

This particular junction and at the other end of Bulwer Avenue were two spots where there were a high number of injury and fatal accidents and so work was carried out to the States engineers’ design to realign them and, in the case of the Bridge end of the road, also introduce traffic islands. I don’t remember the exact cost of this work but it was peanuts compared to the cost of a set of traffic lights. In any case as far as I know there have been no serious accidents since and certainly no fatal ones, of which there had been a few.

It is vitally important that this States department and indeed all States departments act on facts and not gut feelings or knee-jerk reactions. This is the same department that is ignoring the erosion at Fermain and more particularly at Port Soif and Portinfer where, should there be a breach, we will be two islands again. Yes, it would affect my property but this is no nimbyism as it would effectively drown much of Guernsey’s housing stock and industry. Talk about fiddling while Rome burns, or perhaps more relevant, rearranging the deckchairs on the Titanic, as Guernsey will surely sink if nothing is done.

It’s a very unfortunate fact that much of the Guernsey States departments make decisions without proper reference to evidence and facts and consequently budget haphazardly. This is then backed up by the most ineffective project management. The way many States projects are managed is haphazard to say the least and would never be allowed in the private sector; the single patient records system is a very expensive (£9m.?) illustration of this.

Unfortunately, after I retired, the Accident Study Group ceased after about a year, the reason is unknown to me. It was a very effective way of ensuring money was well spent in such a way that it would have maximum impact. Presently it appears that an over-staffed department is finding ways of justifying their employment with these unnecessary schemes. They would do well to look up the plans that were suggested for the Longfrie junction that would have saved many accidents over these years if the States had been prepared to purchase a small parcel of land to improve sight lines. No filter needed, or perhaps another set of expensive lights is planned? As Richard Digard said in his excellent article in the Press (24 August), it requires all States members to pull together and stop pursuing their own agendas. Or perhaps it’s civil servants pursuing their own agendas as a result of poor and weak political leadership. Either way, Guernsey is on a precipice and the sooner that is realised and action taken to remedy the major issues the better. Please spend my taxes more wisely, carefully and effectively.

MICHAEL BURROWS,

Address withheld.

mnrbconsulting@gmail.com