Delayed one-way trial begins for road in St Helier

The six-month trial is aimed at making the area safer for pedestrians and residents

A one-way system has been put in place for a section of road in St Helier.

The six-month trial is aimed at making the St John's Road area safer for pedestrians and residents.

Now only southbound traffic would be able to pass through the stretch between Parade Road and Cheapside, officials said.

St John’s Road remained two-way on the wider section, higher up the road, they added.

Constable Simon Crowcroft said a permanent solution to the "real dangers that exist at the bottom of St John's Road" needed to be found

Constable Simon Crowcroft told BBC Radio Jersey that people had been coming "out of their houses and finding a car mounting the pavement and literally inches from their front door".

Mr Crowcroft, who looks after the parish of St Helier, said the lives of residents at the bottom of St John's Road had "really been quite miserable with two-way traffic".

He said he did not think some of those protesting against the proposals appreciated just how long the parish, in particular, had been fielding calls from concerned residents.

Mr Crowcroft, who is also assistant minister for infrastructure, said there were "real dangers that exist at the bottom of St John's Road", adding that the system currently in place would "give relief" to the people who live there

He also said he was aware that traffic levels would increase as people returned north from town via alternative routes.

The scheme was previously delayed three times in 2023.

A different version of the plan, which would have seen only northbound traffic permitted, was shelved in February.

The Government of Jersey said the latest work would increase the space and comfort of pedestrians on the narrow section, which is within the 20mph zone.