Trial of primary school traffic ban begins

The trial involves a temporary traffic restriction during pick-up and drop-off times for up to 12 months

A ban on traffic during certain hours is being trialled outside a Guernsey primary school.

The States of Guernsey said the school street trial would take place on Rue de L'Arquet outside La Houguette Primary School to understand whether it could be made permanent.

It said the trial involves a temporary traffic restriction during pick-up and drop-off times for up to 12 months during school term.

A smaller trial took place at the school in May 2024 and traffic restrictions were made permanent at St Martin's School in September the same year.

'Improve safety'

Officials said Rue de L'Arquet would close to traffic on weekdays between 08:00 GMT and 09:00 GMT.

It would also shut between 14:30 and 15:30, with the exception of cyclists, emergency vehicles and vehicles accessing their properties, they added.

Head teacher Claire Judd said she was proud of pupils for helping initiate the change.

"We're really pleased to be able to go ahead with an official trial with a view to seeing if this could become a permanent fixture to improve safety for those walking, cycling or scooting to our school," she said.

'Change travel habits'

Traffic and Highway Services said it would consider feedback before reporting to the Committee for the Environment and Infrastructure, ahead of a permanent decision.

Paul James, road safety officer, said: "Making it safer to walk or cycle is a really good way to encourage people to change their travel habits."