Environment minister Peter Sirett and Education minister Carol Steere outside the new schools at Les Nicolles. (Picture by Adrian Miller, 0582401)
ROADS around the new schools at Les Nicolles will be one-way. This follows the new Environment board yesterday overturning the decision of its predecessor.
It said it had acted swiftly to ensure pupils’ safety when the mainstream and special-needs secondary schools open in September. How the one-way system will operate should be announced in two weeks’ time, after further consultation with the emergency services.
The previous board baulked at introducing a one-way, which its experts had advised. It instead announced that it would create a pedestrian safety zone with painted pavements, signs and reduced speed limits.
‘We realised that with Education acting on a fixed timescale, the schools had to open in September. Time was running out for traffic measures to be put in place and a quick decision needed to be made,’ said new Environment minister Peter Sirett.
A special meeting was held yesterday morning between the Environment, Home and Education departments and emergency services representatives.
‘It was a comprehensive look at what was needed and everybody was in agreement that a one-way operation was the way we had to go.
‘It’s going to cause some inconvenience to some people, but the safety of the children has to be paramount,’ said Deputy Sirett.
He added that the advice from professionals was that a one-way system was preferable.
‘I can’t comment on why the previous board wanted it kept two-way, but I believe on matters of traffic you listen to the experts – I’m a politician, not a traffic planner.’
Traffic-calming measures to support the one-way will also be installed.
Residents and parish officials will be kept informed as the scheme unfolds.
Education minister Carol Steere welcomed it as a positive move.
‘Education is very keen that when the new schools open, students are able to walk to them safely – that’s one of our primary concerns,’ she said.
‘We’ve had assurance from Environment that those concerns have been taken on board.’
There appeared to be a commitment for the new departments to work together, she added.
‘We want to get on with things. We’re willing to talk to sort things out at an early stage. If we carry on in this way, the public can be hopeful that things will progress well.’
Les Effards resident Peter Lihou campaigned against the original Environment plans.
But he said there was a danger a one-way would make matters worse unless accompanied by calming such as speed platforms.
‘We have already seen an increase in speeds before the road is even open when the temporary traffic signals are on green,’ he said.
‘I hope they will properly consult residents and ensure that calming is introduced to prevent this becoming a high-speed rat run. If a one-way system is introduced to allow full-width pavements and it is accompanied by proper calming, they will be doing the right things to protect the children.’
Article posted on 21st May, 2008 - 2.30pm
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