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The Quay and Church Square will be closed at certain times over the weekend as a trial to increase pedestrianisation of the areas continues.
Following a suggestion from Deputy Gavin St Pier to pilot a pedestrian-focused scheme as the island moved into Phase 4 of the exit from lockdown, the idea was taken forward by Environment & Infrastructure with the Committee agreeing to the temporary closures of the Quay, Church Square and the Lower Pollet last weekend.
Enthused by what E&I described as a "very positive" response, there will be a further trial of road closures this weekend.
The most notable differences are that Lower Pollet will remain open to traffic all weekend, and that the Quay will remain open on Saturday - but will close to traffic on Sunday.
E&I President Barry Brehaut said the closures had helped to capture some of the benefits of lockdown through an "increased sense of tranquility" on the roads and by allowing people to keep a social distance from each other while shopping.
“Following the suggestion from Deputy St Pier, the Committee was happy to support last weekend’s trial closure," he said.
Pictured: The closures were adopted last weekend after the idea was suggested by Deputy Gavin St Pier.
"We’ve been delighted by the feedback as many in the community welcomed the change of pace these changes brought. For this weekend, we opted against closing the Quay on Saturday as we’re conscious that in order to fully maximise the benefits, hospitality traders need to comply with the certain procedures before that can take full advantage of al fresco opportunities and that takes a little time.
And people walking their dogs! pic.twitter.com/Zl19dKtWyC
— Lindsay de Sausmarez (@Lindsay_Gsy) May 30, 2020
Pictured: E&I said last week's trial had been a success and was worth extending.
"We’re keen to examine the benefits of these sorts of timed closures so will seek to continue gauging community and business feedback to help determine if these kinds of trial measures should be extended longer-term.”
Church Square will be closed to traffic from 10:00 on Saturday until 07:00 Monday morning. The Blue Badge accessible bays and the taxi rank will be temporarily relocated to The Albany (South Esplanade) and additional accessible parking will also be provided along the Quay on Saturday.
Pictured: Church Square will be closed again this weekend.
The Quay will also close (from Quay Street to the Crown Pier) from 10:00 on Sunday to 19:30 the same day, but will remain open on Saturday.
Anyone with feedback on the temporary closures can email traffic@gov.gg.
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