Implement proposition passed by assembly in June 2020

WQ.356/2021

WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE CHAIR OF THE COMITÉ DES CONNÉTABLES BY DEPUTY R.J. WARD OF ST. HELIER

QUESTION SUBMITTED ON MONDAY 13TH SEPTEMBER 2021 ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON MONDAY 20TH SEPTEMBER 2021

Question

Will the Chair advise what measures have been undertaken to implement the actions set out in Green Lanes and Quiet Lanes: Priority to Pedestrians, Cyclists and Horse Riders (P.79/2020), as amended, since the proposition's adoption in June 2020?

Answer

Since the States approval of P.79/2020, as amended, on 15 July 2020 the Comité des Connétable s has been working with the Minister for Infrastructure and officers to consider the necessary changes to legislation to give priority in law to pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders in designated roads in the Parishes and so that vehicular traffic should only be allowed in such designated roads for essential travel.

At its meeting in September 2020 (the first meeting after the States approval of the proposition) the Comité established a sub-committee to progress the work. The sub-committee identified the need for advice to be able to establish a watertight definition of "essential travel" that would be capable of enforcement. That was considered by the Comité which then met with the Minister for Infrastructure.

Following further advice, the sub-committee met with officers of Infrastructure, Housing and Environment (IHE) Department to consider proposals for signage on Green Lanes and the use of "Access only" to restrict traffic on roads.

The Comité considered a further paper from the sub-committee at its meeting on 6 September 2021 so the Deputy 's question is timely. The paper referred to other developments since the States adopted P.79/2020 (the vote was Pour: 25; Contre: 20; Absent: 4).

These developments clearly impact upon the States decision on P.79/2020 and include –

• the adoption of the proposition of the Connétable of St. Martin "Improvements to Road Safety" P.5/2021 as amended (the vote was Pour: 47; Contre: 0; Abstain: 0);

• the review of Road Safety which will feed into the Roads Law review (Ministerial Decision MD- T-2021-0024);

• the ongoing Speed Limit review;

• the Sustainable Transport Policy and

• work between Parishes, the Minister for Infrastructure and other group on the development of cycle routes.

A "hierarchy of road users", i.e. setting out a priority for road users, is clearly desirable and may be achieved through the adoption of P.5/2021. It may also apply to all roads and not just those which are designated. Part of this proposition also relates to the education of road users.

In relation to restricting access in designated roads to "essential travel", the Connétable s have concerns that this may discriminate against those with limited mobility. The original concept of the Green Lanes included use for sightseeing and one of the 5 main priorities of the disability strategy is to give "greater access to the Island".

The Comité will consider a further report at its next meeting in October 2021. This is likely to address the difficulty of enforcement, the need for a hierarchy of road users, and that Green Lanes should not be blocked or restricted to access only and should continue to be used for scenic journeys. It is our hope that Deputy Ward will be able to attend that meeting so that we may reach a decision on the next steps.