Wednesday 19 August 2015
Work to re-instate two lanes of traffic southbound along the Town seafront is scheduled for Sunday 23 August, subject to the weather. This immediate change is ahead of a more permanent solution to be introduced next year following further consultation and research. During this interim period, the crossing will continue to be manned during peak times.
Deputy Yvonne Burford said:
"The engineers report that we commissioned, following the recommendation by the Working Party, demonstrates that this is not clear cut. Safety concerns remain, however, we are in agreement that the most pragmatic way forward, for the time being, is to return the system to two lanes, with extra safety measures to address concerns for the crossing, whilst we find a suitable, permanent solution."
Deputy Peter Gillson, Deputy Chair of the working party said:
"The Town Seafront Working Party is pleased that the Environment Department are moving forward with its recommendation, it was very useful to be apprised of the traffic engineers report and acknowledge the inherent risks of a two lane courtesy crossing, however, take comfort from retaining the new central reservation, an improvement on the previous courtesy crossing layout. Clearly there were strong reasons why the system was changed, and it is a combination of factors that have contributed to the recent traffic issues. While this has prompted public opinion on both sides, we need to look at this in a balanced way so that an equitable solution can be found. We continue to collectively discuss long term solutions but in the meantime support the decision to re-instate two lanes of traffic."
-ENDS-
