Castel Primary School street scheme to progress to formal trial from June
- Castel Primary School Street scheme will progress to formal trial from 1st June after successful informal trial
- Roads around school will close to most vehicles during drop-off (8:15-9:00am) and pick-up times (2:45-3:30pm)
- Formal trial will last between nine and 12 months, with decision on permanent status to follow
- Scheme aims to promote walking and cycling whilst creating safer environment for pupils
- Two local schools have permanent School Streets, with trials ongoing at two further schools
A road closure scheme around Castel Primary School will progress to a formal trial from Monday 1st June, following an informal trial that began at the start of the summer term.
The Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure has agreed to extend the 'School Street' initiative, which closes roads near the school to most vehicles during peak drop-off and pick-up times.
The scheme aims to promote alternative transport methods for pupils, including walking and cycling, whilst creating a safer and more pleasant environment for the school community.
The School Street area covers Ruette de la Generotte at the junction with Ruette de Fries, Rue de la Masse from the junction with Mont D'Aval, and Rue des Deslisles to the junction with Rue St Germain.
These road sections will remain closed to most traffic on weekdays between 8:15am and 9:00am, and 2:45pm and 3:30pm. Cyclists, school buses and those accessing properties will be permitted to use the roads during closure times.
The current feasibility trial will continue until Friday 24th May, when schools break up for half-term. The formal trial will then commence on Monday 1st June and run for between nine and 12 months.
During the formal trial period, Traffic & Highway Services will monitor usage and operational times, sharing findings with the Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure. A decision will then be made on whether to make the School Street permanent.
Castel Primary is the latest local school to trial the scheme. St Martin's Primary and La Houguette Primary have both implemented permanent School Streets following successful trials. Formal trials are ongoing at St Sampson's High and Les Beaucamps High School.
Paul James, Traffic and Highway Services Road Safety Officer, said: "This is another step forward in encouraging greater use of alternative transport on our roads by creating safer access for the school community and those passing through the area around Castel Primary School.
"I am pleased that we can move forward with a formal trial, which allows vulnerable road users to travel in a much safer and pleasant environment and adds to the success of School Street schemes elsewhere in the island."
Pete Curtis, Headteacher at Castel Primary School, said: "Extending the trial for Castel Primary School provides an important opportunity. A longer period will allow us to properly assess how the scheme functions across different seasons, traffic patterns, and school activities.
"It also gives us more time and a greater evidence base to understand what is working well and what needs to be improved or adapted. My focus is on ensuring that, with the benefit of a full trial, we can make informed decisions and refine the scheme so that it is as safe, effective, and successful as possible for everyone who uses the area."
Q&A
Q: When does the formal trial begin?
A: The formal trial begins on Monday 1st June 2026 and will last between nine and 12 months.
Q: What times will the roads be closed?
A: The roads will be closed on weekdays between 8:15am and 9:00am, and 2:45pm and 3:30pm during term time.
Q: Which vehicles can use the roads during closure times?
A: Cyclists, school buses and vehicles accessing properties within the closure area are permitted to use the roads during restricted hours.
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