Trial of Ruette des Delisles 'School Street' initiative to commence this term
- Ruette des Delisles will trial a 'School Street' scheme beginning 22nd September.
- The scheme aims to close the road to motorised traffic during peak school hours.
- This initiative follows similar trials implemented at nearby schools.
- Access to properties and car parks will remain unaffected.
- Traffic and Highway Services will monitor the trial’s effectiveness.
The Ruette des Delisles road near Les Beaucamps High School will be the site of the next 'School Street' trial, commencing from Monday 22nd September through to Monday 3rd November during term time.
The lower section of the road will be closed to motorised traffic on weekdays between 8:00-8:30am and 3:00-3:30pm, although cyclists and emergency vehicles will still be allowed access.
This trial follows the successful introduction of similar schemes at St Martin's Primary School in 2023 and ongoing trials near La Houguette Primary School and St Sampson’s High School.
The purpose of the 'School Street' initiative is to temporarily restrict vehicle access on key routes to schools during peak drop-off and pick-up times.
This aims to encourage more students to walk or cycle to school, thereby reducing congestion and enhancing safety around school entrances.
Homes located below the closure will maintain access via Rue des Delisles, whilst those above it will continue to have entry from Les Beaucamps Road.
Access to the main car park of Les Beaucamps High School will be preserved via Les Beaucamps Road.
Additionally, for families coming from the south and west, the nearby Le Viage car park has been designated as a suitable alternative pick-up and drop-off point, with improvements to the car park surface already undertaken.
Traffic and Highway Services will assess the trial's impact in collaboration with the school community and will subsequently present recommendations to the Committee for the Environment and Infrastructure regarding the possibility of extending the initiative into a full 12-month statutory trial.
Paul James, Road Safety Officer at Traffic and Highway Services said, “We look forward to trialling our next School Street on Ruette des Delisles.
"We know the start and end of the school day can be particularly busy, so creating safer, calmer routes for students to walk or cycle is a positive step.
"If we can encourage more young people to build these habits now, it will benefit them and the wider community well into the future.”
Martin Haimes, Principal of Les Beaucamps High School, said: “Managing traffic at the start and end of the school day is always a challenge.
"This trial is an opportunity to see if the School Street model can make that experience safer and more manageable for our students, staff, and families. I look forward to seeing the impact of the trial in the weeks ahead.”
During the four-week feasibility trial, Traffic and Highway Services will work alongside Les Beaucamps High School and the local community to evaluate the road's suitability for the initiative and make any necessary adjustments.
This period allows for establishing the new arrangement and adapting travel habits under various weather conditions.
If the trial proves successful, further consultation and feedback will be sought before moving towards a longer-term implementation.
Feedback regarding the trial can be submitted via email to traffic@gov.gg or in writing to Traffic and Highway Services, Edward T Wheadon House, Le Truchot, St Peter Port, GY1 3WH.
Comments ()