School becomes sixth to trial road safety scheme

A scheme which involves closing roads around schools to promote car-free journeys for students is expanding on the island of Guernsey.

La Mare de Carteret Primary School and Sixth Form Centre is the latest site to trial the School Streets scheme.

After an "informal trial" taking place for a month from 8 June, an "official" nine to 12-month trial could be proposed, the States of Guernsey said.

The States said the trial was arranged following reports of vehicles on footpaths, not stopping at crossings and a "near miss" involving a young child.

The School Streets scheme involves closing a road around a school to most vehicles during peak drop-off and pick-up times and aims to tackle issues such as air pollution and road danger.

The scheme "promotes the use of alternative transport for students", the States added.

Two schools - St Martin's Primary School and La Houguette Primary School - have officially adopted it.

Meanwhile, three further sites - St Sampson's High School & Hautes Capelles Primary School, Les Beaucamps High School and Castel Primary School - are in the longer trial period.

The latest School Streets area will stretch through the entirety of Rue des Français and along the eastern section of Rue du Galaad from the junction with school access to the junction with Rue a Ronces and Route de la Hougue du Pommier.

These sections will be closed to most traffic on weekdays between 08:15-08:40 BST and 14:45-15:15.

Pedestrians, cyclists, buses, emergency vehicles and residents will have access.

The States said the initiative was part of "ongoing efforts" to improve road safety for vulnerable people.

Paul James, traffic and highway services road safety officer, said the scheme would allow for "safer journeys".

Alison Elliott, headteacher at La Mare de Carteret Primary School, said she hoped the scheme would "transform" the streets around the school into a "welcoming space" for walking, cycling and scooting.

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