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2.8 Deputy G.C.L. Baudains of St. Clement of the Minister for Transport and Technical Services regarding combined speed humps and pedestrian crossings:
Further to my written question of 29th January regarding combined speed humps and pedestrian crossings, will the Minister agree to cease installing these and make provision for removing the duality of those in existence?
Deputy G.W.J. de Faye (The Minister for Transport and Technical Services):
In my response to the earlier question I think it would be helpful to Members if I inform that I said this: "Although some of these crossings are unlit they are all within the town area where there is street lighting and the department has no record of any accidents on these crossings. Moreover, there is little doubt that the raised humps are effective at slowing down traffic speeds and the shared space principle within the town environs has appeared to work very well, especially for pedestrians." Given the above, I have no specific safety concerns for those crossings currently in place and in the light of that information, Sir, I am sure the Deputy will not be surprised when I say that I do not intend to cease installing those crossings and I will not be making provision for removing the ones that are already there.
- Deputy G.C.L. Baudains:
It does seem to me that, albeit unintentionally, the Minister is possibly missing the point. First of all, Sir, if I may ask a 2-part question? It does seem to me that some of the speed humps may not be complying with the Highway Road Humps (Jersey) Regulations 2002. Could he ensure that in fact they do comply, especially with regards to height? The second part of my question is, Sir, I am
concerned about safety because a driver approaching a pedestrian crossing would normally look at both sides of the road to see if anybody is about to cross, whereas a driver approaching a speed hump will not be looking at the side of the road, he will be looking at the speed hump in front ignoring temporarily the side of the road, Sir. But clearly the 2 are incompatible and my fear, Sir, is that it is only a matter of time before somebody looking at a speed hump knocks down somebody stepping on to the pedestrian crossing. Will the Minister not reconsider the potentially dangerous habit of combining pedestrian crossings and speed humps in light of those comments that I have made?
Deputy G.W.J. de Faye:
The Deputy 's exposition of drivers' scanning habits and observational characteristics are utterly
fascinating, but I do not think can form part of a sensible response today. I will of course ask my
officers to check the compliance of the crossings and I would be most grateful for the Deputy , who clearly has already had his tape measure out, if he would give my department some advance knowledge of which particular humps we should address ourselves to first.
- Deputy A.D. Lewis of St. John :
I remember the Minister making a statement in this House to the effect that newly-elected deputies were regularly coming to him asking for such matters to be reviewed upon election, in other words, safety in Parish roads. Does the Deputy believe that there are numerous places around the Island, particularly in the rural Parishes where there is the need for speed bumps in order to police the roads adequately?
Deputy G.W.J. de Faye:
Regrettably life itself is an accident waiting to happen and [Laughter] the roads of the Island are no exception. They would, of course, be much safer if every single road had railings with limited exits and crossing points but is this really the sort of world we wish to live in? I think not.
- Deputy R.G. Le Hérissier:
Would the Minister confirm whether the speed bumps installed at the harbour are in conformity with his department's policy on the design of speed bumps?
Deputy G.W.J. de Faye:
I am not sure that the speed humps at the harbour have anything to do with the Department of
Transport and Technical Services. The Harbours Department are notoriously protective of their
own territory and I very much suspect this is a unique design developed especially for harbour users. [Laughter]
- Deputy P.N. Troy :
The Minister did ask if we knew of any speed bumps that needed to be checked, whether we could let him know. I have had reports that the new speed bumps at the Weighbridge are at a height that causes problems to vehicles with either a long wheelbase or with vehicles that are seated at a lower level - those around the Weighbridge. So could the Minister just check those, Sir?
Deputy G.W.J. de Faye:
Certainly, Sir, I am sure that we can very swiftly look for any signs of paint or metallic residue that
have been left on the humps.