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St Sampson's Douzaine has issued a very brief response to the proposed Better Travel Plan for the north of Guernsey - saying it will wait until parishioners' feedback has been gauged before saying anything else.
The Plan was published this week, with a number of proposals for change in St Sampson's mainly - although the Vale is affected too.
The proposals include the creation of cycle lanes on North and South Side of the Bridge, zebra crossings on Braye Road, and safety improvement measures at the junction of the Saltpans and Les Sauvagees with Route Militaire.
Proposals which directly affect residents in St Sampsons include the creation of a network of Ruettes des Habitants - which would restrict access to some roads. The idea being that there will be no through traffic and only motorists living on the road, or visiting a property on the road, would be allowed to drive through.
Many of the proposals centre around giving more space to pedestrians and cyclists at the expense of motorists.
St Sampson's Douzaine says it is broadly supportive of such measures but it is still keen to take parishioners views into consideration before commenting further.
Pictured: All of these roads, and some more, would become Ruettes des Habitants under the Better Transport Plan.
The Constables and Douzaine of St Sampson said, "taking into account comments and concerns of parishioners, (we) are supportive of any initiatives which may enhance the safety of all road users be they pedestrians, cyclists, car drivers, or drivers of commercial vehicles.
"We are however mindful of the inescapable fact that major trunk routes and their associated junctions within the parish are currently operating for much of the time beyond their physical capacity which inevitably leads to significant traffic tail backs and worsens the environmental impact of existing levels of traffic.
"It is felt that, in parallel with safety initiatives, sensible, balanced solutions will need to be adopted to improve traffic flow on the major trunk routes. In addition, it would be of great concern if permanent alterations to minor and peripheral roads and lanes resulted in there being no viable diversion routes available in the event that, for example Route Militaire, Vale Avenue or Braye Road, were to be closed for any reason."
Pictured: Deputies Lindsay de Sausmarez and Adrian Gabriel presented the Better Travel Plan to the media earlier this week.
Environment and Infrastructure, which is behind the Better Transport Plan, says there is evidence to suggest through traffic currently using the roads listed to become a Ruettes des Habitants would dissipate rather than add to traffic on other roads.
E&I also says that offering residents more choice would enable additional people to choose alternative modes of transport - such as walking, cycling, or using public transport - so they could leave their cars at home, therefore reducing the traffic levels currently seen.
St Sampson's Douzaine said that there is much more to be said about the Plan and the proposals it contains, "but it is intended to first seek and facilitate consultation with parishioners".
Once that's been done, the Douzaine says it will provide feedback to Traffic & Highways after the consultation period ends on 30 June. A further media statement will be made at that time to share that feedback publicly.
Parishioners wanting to give feedback to the Douzaine can go to a drop-in session at the Douzaine Room, where information boards will be put up and comments can be received. The dates for these drop-in sessions will be made available ahead of time.
The Douzaine has also welcomed feedback from parishioners by email, letter or telephone once they have viewed the plans online.
PUBLIC CONSULTATION: Members of the public can have their say on the proposed Better Transport Plan by email or post before 30 June, 2024.
CONTRIBUTE TO OUR COVERAGE: Comment below, on our social media accounts, or email us HERE to tell us what you think about the Better Transport Plan.
WATCH: Transport plan for the north launched
E&I: Plan will "improve choices and experience"
EXPLAINED: How a Ruette des Habitants will affect you
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