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4.15 Deputy S. Power of the Minister for Transport and Technical Services regarding road access to any site proposed for a new General Hospital or a new Police Headquarters: Could the Minister outline what technical considerations would be necessary in determining suitable road access to any site proposed for a new general hospital or a new police headquarters?
Deputy K.C. Lewis of St. Saviour (The Minister for Transport and Technical Services): Where any new development is likely to have significant transport implications, a transport assessment would be prepared as part of the design and planning process. It would be a requirement of the planning application and would be used to determine whether the impact of the development on transport is acceptable.
- Deputy S. Power:
The Minister has not quite answered the question. Could the Minister specifically outline what technical considerations are necessary in any site for a new hospital, specifically a new hospital and a new police headquarters? In other words, what road access is specific to a new general hospital or a new police headquarters, other than ordinary road access?
Deputy K.C. Lewis :
I do not think there are any specifics apart from emergency vehicles, as such. Transport assessment is a comprehensive and systematic process that sets out transport issues relating to a proposed development. It identifies what measures will be taken to deal with the anticipated transport impacts of the scheme and to improve accessibility and safety for all modes of travel, not just vehicles, while access by motor vehicles for servicing, deliveries, staff and the general public are most important considerations. It is expected that proposals for large developments with significant transport implications would be consistent with the States Sustainable Transport Policy, which seeks to encourage alternatives to private cars, such as walking, cycling and public transport. Of course there will be special considerations for emergency vehicles.
- Deputy J.A. Martin:
I welcome the Minister's reply but about 2 months ago, just after the election, all No. 1 Deputies, because there is a proposed site for the new police station were invited to high level talks where we were told there is a high level working party looking at every aspect of the new police station. Would the Minister confirm that he has high level members of Transport and Technical Services on this panel so all these considerations are taken into consideration?
Deputy K.C. Lewis :
Yes, absolutely. A traffic impact assessment is being undertaken as part of the Green Street Police Station feasibility study. An assessment is being undertaken but it is not as yet complete.
- Deputy S. Power:
Would the Minister not agree with me that in any consideration of a site for a new hospital emergency vehicle access and parking for visitors is a high priority and could he hazard a guess as to how many sites on the Island are suitable for that type of requirement?
Deputy K.C. Lewis :
In the St. Helier area, no, I could not really hazard a guess but I will take the Deputy 's comments on board and get back to him.