More Market Street changes planned

Monday 03 December 2018

With some drivers ignoring the existing signs in the area, a number of changes are being made on Market Street to improve pedestrian safety and to improve accessibility for delivery drivers and disabled people.

The plans have been made after discussions between Bailiwick Estates which runs the market buildings, St Peter Port Douzaine and the States Traffic and Highways Services team.

They've jointly said, the traffic management improvements planned around the Market Building will "help protect pedestrians, provide improved accessible spaces for persons with disabilities and extend the unloading area in the Bordage to assist businesses."

The changes are being made this month following concerns which had been raised that "some drivers were not keeping to the existing vehicle restrictions."

Sonia Taylor, Director at Bailiwick Estates Ltd, said they've had to act to address the problem. 

“Events like Fresh Friday are hugely popular and we are working hard on ensuring this is a vibrant and welcoming area. People walking down Market Street should not have to avoid vehicles blocking pavements and people using wheelchairs or with pushchairs should not be forced on and off pavements. 

“Unfortunately, drivers are still ignoring signs and it is necessary to ensure vehicle access is limited in the interests of public safety making sure this area continues to thrive.”

Dennis le Moignan, Senior Constable of St Peter Port said:

“For almost all road users there will be no effect but for pedestrians in the Market area there will be a significant improvement. All parties have worked together to make the area safer and to continue to enhance the area through some simple changes.” 

Pictured: The parking arrangements at the Market Street junction will be changed. These vehicles were all parked within the current rules at the time this image was taken. 

The two accessible bays outside the Co-Op are being moved with other changes to narrow the entrance to Market Street itself, along with Contree Croix Mansell and Mansell Street. This is aimed at helping pedestrians while limiting access to the areas where vehicles are restricted from entering after 10:00.

The bus stop in Le Bordage will be moved up the road closer to the top end of the Market Building, allowing the unloading bay to be extended in place of the one at the top end of the Market a few metres away, which will reduce vehicle movements in Market Street. An additional two parking spaces, limited to 30 minutes, will also be added in the area.

Pictured: The bus stop is being moved as part of the changes. These vehicles were all parked within the current rules at the time this image was taken. 

The road will be resurfaced next year to improve the area further. 

Pictured: The view through the Market Square. This area used to be accessible to motorists but was pedestrianised some years ago. 

People used to be able to drive through the Market Square from the end by what is now HMV towards Market Street.

The area was pedestrianised soon after the turn of the century when other changes were made to the Market Buildings after the closure of the traditional market. 

Pictured top: Market Street.