Monday 08 June 2015
Media Enquiry from Guernsey Press:
I am working on an article on the back of the public reaction to the department's press release about the Weighbridge Roundabout lanes and new arrangements at the Town Quay.
After speaking to some deputies, I was wondering if I could ask the department the following questions:
When does the trial of the new arrangements at the Quay, including the courtesy crossing, come to an end? And how will success be measured?
Given the public appetite for changing it back how it used to be, would this be something the department would consider?
Environment Department Response:
There are two issues that need to be considered. The first issue relates to the revised arrangements at the existing uncontrolled crossing along The Quay, including a single southbound traffic lane, a central pedestrian refuge and a reduced 20mph speed limit; and the second issue involves the traffic management measures required in order to merge traffic flows into a single lane along The Quay.
For safety reasons, (the main one being the risk of the vehicle in the first lane of traffic stopping for a pedestrian and the vehicle in the second lane continuing on, but also the lack of a safe central space to wait), the uncontrolled crossing along The Quay has been the subject of considerable debate over the years. Previous schemes, all of which have failed, have included attempts to signalise the crossing, implement a zebra crossing and closing off the crossing altogether.
Mindful of the very real risks that existed previously, the Environment Department sought professional engineering advice on the safety of the crossing and measures that could be taken to improve matters. Given the considerable volume of traffic that travels along The Quay (approximately 20,000 movements a day Monday-Friday), the Department was advised that implementing the new measures could safely accommodate interaction between passing traffic and up to 600 pedestrian movements per hour (twice the previous volume) without significant impact on traffic flow when compared with before. However, up to 1,200 pedestrians per hour have since been recorded crossing when a cruise liner is in and hence the need for manual intervention on cruise liner days. On the whole, drivers have responded well and courteously to pedestrians crossing at this point. For the most part the crossing works well on non-cruise liner days and at off peak times on cruise liner days when there is generally minimal disruption, if any, to traffic flows.
Whilst a signalised crossing, linked in to other signals in the area, would inevitably provide ultimate safety for pedestrians, and remains a possibility, the new arrangements represent a considerable improvement for all vulnerable road users with a reduction in traffic lanes, a wide central refuge, tactile paving and a reduced speed limit in place. We fully acknowledge the concerns of blind and partially sighted people, but to revert to what was previously there would clearly be a retrograde step in terms of safety. The representative of the Guernsey Blind Association has acknowledged that the changes are a step in the right direction, although we fully understand that for some people with vision impairment a signalised crossing remains the ideal solution.
Merging lanes and or moving between lanes is accepted and common practice in most, if not all, jurisdictions. It also already exists in Guernsey at Doyle Road, at the South Esplanade before the Castle Emplacement and along Glategny Esplanade. Changes do need to be given time for people to become familiar with them. It must also be remembered that the main reason why this change was made was to make things better and safer for pedestrians and especially those with mobility problems. In suggesting that we return to what was there previously we are being asked to favour car drivers over pedestrians. Feedback from pedestrians, both local and visiting, has been very positive indeed.
A complementary reason for the changes was to free up space to improve one of the most attractive parts of our Town by being able to widen the walkway on the marina side and allow space for al fresco cafes along the landward side by reducing the southbound lane to one carriageway, as is the case already in the northbound lane which carries the same volume of traffic. We are aware that as presently laid out the positives are not at all obvious but it is important to ensure traffic and pedestrians can be successfully managed before deciding whether to formally incorporate these improvements into further planned resurfacing work early next year. Environment is supportive of Town and believes that such public realm improvements will make it a more attractive place to be. This trial has been done at a time to fit in with previous routine resurfacing and costs have been kept to a minimum.
It is perhaps worth noting that a return to the previous layout would not guarantee free flowing traffic at all times as of course we now have the cruise liners disembarking at the Albert Pier. It is inevitable that several thousand people coming ashore directly into the heart of Town will have an impact, wherever they cross the road. It should be remembered that with the rapid growth of cruise ship passenger numbers this year the previous layout would also have come under much greater stress. A further point that has become evident from observation is that often a tailback is caused by people crossing at the signalised crossing by the bus terminus. With large numbers of people, the pedestrian phase is repeatedly used. Groups of people have also been observed to cross against the pedestrian signal. Some have called for the informal crossing to be closed and for people to be directed to the other crossings. This too remains an option but of course it would inevitably put additional pressure on the other crossings and may do very little to help.
We are aware that there are delays exiting North Beach car park in the evening rush hour and although there have always been some delays at this time better utilisation of lanes and taking care to avoid blocking exits will assist in reducing such delays.
However, the South Esplanade lane adaption seems to be working very well. The extra pavement width as currently configured at the junction with Albert Pier and South Esplanade is most welcome and improves the pedestrian experience.
Nevertheless, it remains the case that the new layout is a trial and we are listening to all feedback and making adjustments accordingly. A decision whether to make the changes permanent will be made based on feedback and experience. The road is safer and with careful and considerate driving from all motorists there is no reason why the layout should not work for both drivers and pedestrians. It is accepted that some improvements can still be made to existing arrangements but it is considered that the trial needs to be given time before a final decision is taken.
Contact Information:
Karl Guille, Traffic and Transport Services Manager
Environment Department
Tel: 01481 243400
