St Helier to Introduce New Pedestrian-Priority Route

Pedestrian-Priority Route to Transform St Helier Junction

A new pedestrian-priority route is set to be introduced in St Helier as part of a government initiative to improve safety and reduce congestion in the town centre.

The Infrastructure and Environment (I&E) Department has announced plans to create a continuous walkway at the junction of King Street and New Street. The changes will form part of a 12-month trial, during which traffic arrangements in the area will be adjusted.

Infrastructure Minister Constable Andy Jehan confirmed that buses and taxis will no longer be permitted to cross King Street at New Cut during the trial period. Additionally, slight modifications will be made to the hours during which commercial vehicles are allowed to unload.

A recent traffic survey by I&E revealed that, during core retail hours, taxis account for approximately 50% of vehicle traffic in the area, with buses making up 8%. The changes, Jehan explained, aim to enhance pedestrian safety while alleviating traffic congestion.

Under the new scheme, only pedal cycles and essential commercial deliveries will be permitted to cross King Street via New Cut, and only between 8:00pm and 10:00am.

While new locations for taxi ranks are being considered in the town centre, Jehan confirmed that the rank at Library Place will remain in operation. He also assured that blue badge parking spaces would be unaffected and that a full map of accessible parking spots across the island will be published in the near future.

Further details about the New Street works are expected to be released in the coming weeks.