The 12-month trial is due to start in the New Year as part of a wider package to improve the road and provide better access for public transport.The work will be carried out by Environment and Public Services as part of the St Helier Street Life programme.Public Services president Deputy Maurice Dubras said whether the changes would become permanent would have to be weighed against pedestrian safety.The section of New Street, running from the Burrard Street and Union Street junction into New Cut and Library Place, cuts across the King Street precinct.
‘In reviewing access to the town centre for taxis and buses, the committee has consulted with stakeholders,’ said Deputy Dubras.
‘Taxi drivers can presently use this route between 6 pm and 10 am but consider it advantageous to be able to use it throughout the day.
We would like to support this and will assess its impact through a trial.
‘Our specific concern is that this should not prejudice pedestrian safety at the King Street junction and we will be monitoring the speed, frequency and volume of traffic using this route throughout the trial.’Environmental improvements will start next month.
These include introducing traffic calming measures, improved pedestrian crossings at key points, new road surfacing, tree planting and cycle parking.As an element of the wider package of the Street Life programme, new taxi ranks are proposed in New Street and Library Place to make up for the future loss of the Broad Street ranks.Discussions are taking place with the Island’s taxi drivers to see whether new ranks can be established elsewhere in the town, particularly on the waterfront.
