Friday 05 June 2020
The Quay and Church Square will again be closed to traffic during certain times this weekend following last week's successful trial.
Following a suggestion from Deputy Gavin St Pier to pilot a pedestrian-focused scheme as the island moved into phase 4 of the exit from lockdown, the Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure were supportive and agreed the temporary road closures.
These were aimed at capturing some of the benefits that many have enjoyed during lockdown, such as an increased sense of tranquillity on roads, while also helping islanders maintain social distancing when shopping.
The response from the community has been very positive so the Committee agreed a further trial will take place this weekend, albeit with some revised arrangements in place.
From 10am this Saturday until 7am Monday morning, Church Square will once again close to traffic. The Blue Badge accessible bays and the taxi rank will be temporarily relocated to The Albany (South Esplanade) and additional accessible parking will also be provided along the Quay on Saturday.
The Quay will also close (from Quay Street to the Crown Pier) from 10am this Sunday to 7:30pm the same day, but will remain open on Saturday.
Lower Pollet will not close this weekend as it is considered that adequate social distancing can be maintained in the area due to limited footfall together with the current absence of on-road parking, due to the significant amount of building works currently taking place.
Deputy Barry Brehaut, President of the Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure, said:
"Following the suggestion from Deputy St Pier, the Committee was happy to support last weekend's trial closure. We've been delighted by the feedback as many in the community welcomed the change of pace these changes brought. For this weekend, we opted against closing the Quay on Saturday as we're conscious that in order to fully maximise the benefits, hospitality traders need to comply with the certain procedures before that can take full advantage of al fresco opportunities and that takes a little time. We're keen to examine the benefits of these sorts of timed closures so will seek to continue gauging community and business feedback to help determine if these kinds of trial measures should be extended longer-term."
Anyone with feedback on the temporary closures should email traffic@gov.gg.
