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As children return to school today, with the inevitable increase in traffic around those buildings, it's been confirmed that the 'school street' in St Martin’s will permanently close during school drop-off and pick-up times following a successful trial.
In a similar way to other schemes used around the world, La Route des Coutures will continue to be accessible by pedestrians and cyclists only between 08:30 and 09:00 and 14:45 and 15:15 on school days.
This is with the exception of emergency vehicles and anyone needing to access properties that are directly on that road.
Clare Giles, St Martin’s Primary School Headteacher, won a sustainability hero award last year because of this scheme.
At the time, she explained that the initiative was inspired by some of her pupils who were concerned about the amount of pollution around the school and the need for more road safety awareness and accessibility.
Mrs Giles said the school grounds are no longer overrun with cars, as nine out of 10 of its 550 pupils travel to and from school in a cleaner and safer manner.
“Having seen this through from an initial idea to a permanent change, it’s wonderful for pupils to see that they can make a positive change in their community now and for generations to come,” she said, adding that “most importantly, our pupils and their parents or carers now feel safer travelling to and from school.
"I would like to thank the school community and parishioners for their support with this initiative.”
Paul James, the island's Road Safety Officer, agreed that it has been of benefit to the wider community too.
Pictured: La Route des Coutures borders St Martin's Primary School.
“Improving safety for all road users, particularly vulnerable road users, is one of our top priorities and one of the objectives of our On-Island Integrated Transport Strategy,” he said.
Mr James continued that “with any changes to our roads, it’s important to check that new measures will work well, so it’s been helpful to see this school street in action over this trial period, but it’s good to now be able to move forward with this permanent positive change for the benefit of the local community.”
Not everyone has agreed with this positive outlook on the initiative though.
Members of the St Martin’s Douzaine used social media to complain that this initiative has displaced traffic further out to surrounding lanes.
Other parishioners also used social media to voice their concerns about children getting out of cars at a busy nearby junction instead of using La Route des Coutures, while others wrote of fears that children, and adults, are walking/riding in the middle of the street even when it is open to motorised vehicles, and stepping out without looking.
Despite the initiative receiving these mixed reviews, the States confirmed earlier this week that, following its successful 12-month trial, the school street is being enforced permanently with immediate effect.
St Martin's school street to remain for “next academic year”
Official 'School Street' trial to take place
First 'School Street' will see temporary restrictions on road access
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