Walking and cycling routes

22.02.08

7 Deputy M. Tadier of the Minister for Infrastructure regarding walking and cycling

routes (OQ.26/2022):

Will the Minister provide an update on the progress that has been made recently, if any, towards joined-up walking and cycling routes in the area of La Moye, including any land acquisition involved?

Deputy K.C. Lewis of St. Saviour (The Minister for Infrastructure):

I am able to advise that further to the recently completed zebra crossings at Les Creux and La Moye School, also the virtual footpath extensions from Clos Orange towards La Rue de la Sergente junction, that a potential further opportunity for any footpath extensions and crossings are under development. However, due to the confidentiality surrounding the required enabling land negotiation, this remains policy under development and I am unable to elaborate more on that.

1. Deputy M. Tadier :

I thank the Minister for that and of course I understand the sensitivities around negotiation, so I will not pursue that line of questioning. But can the Minister give an overview of what the vision is for the area, for example, is it the case that he hoped there will be connectivity right from the La Pulente area to Route Orange where one can travel on a cycle or footpath without having to go on the road? If that is the vision, when does he anticipates the projects should be complete?

Deputy K.C. Lewis :

I would estimate it would definitely be by quarter 3 this year but, as I say, negotiations are ongoing. We have big aspirations for the areas that we have just done, the Pont Marquet, Toucan railway track crossing, a pedestrian crossing and bus stop improvements on Route des Genets, Mont Nicolle School, pedestrian crossings and improvements on Route des Genets and the bus stop. We do have that ambition for the area, as we do for the whole Island, with the safer routes to school project.

2. The Connétable of St. Brelade :

Would the Minister agree that the 3-year delay here alluded to with regard to property acquisition is unreasonable, given that the owner of the property is a willing seller in the situation and that his department have been tardy in completing this land deal to the benefit or to the detriment of the pedestrians in the area?

Deputy K.C. Lewis :

Definitely not. The department is working tirelessly to get these projects through. We obviously have not had a lot of funds of late because those funds have been diverted. We have been struggling with that but we are very keen to progress all projects as soon as possible.

3. The Connétable of St. Brelade :

Would the Minister agree to meeting with myself and Deputies responsible for the area to formulate a proper plan to enable better cycle routes and better walking routes in the La Moye area?

Deputy K.C. Lewis :

Teams are being set up for that very thing. Of course representatives of the area, Constables and Deputies, will be included in that. But, as I say, we are recruiting for cycling proficiency people and it would be on the cards in the very near future.

4. Deputy M. Tadier :

Just parenthetically, can the Minister pass on my thanks to those in his department, who I know have been working very hard on these issues for a long time? In line with what the Constable has said, would he consider in fairly short order to providing perhaps an evening of a presentation for residents of that area who do have a keen interest and discuss these issues quite a lot on social media, perhaps somewhere like Les Creux, so that interested parties can come down and be told and engage in what the plan is, what the vision is for the area? Would that be something he might consider?

Deputy K.C. Lewis :

When negotiations are complete, as I have pointed out, there are certain confidentialities involved, which I cannot go into, regarding acquisitions. But once things are complete, more than happy to come down with the team and meet local representatives and indeed the people of the area, no problem at all. I thank the Deputy for his kind comments.