"Citizen action" taken to help protect pedestrians

Tue 03 Oct 2023

Citizen action has been taken to try to make a dangerous corner at Bordeaux Harbour safer after one pedestrian said they literally had to leap for their life to avoid being struck by a vehicle hugging the bend. Despite parish pleas for action, the authorities have refused mitigating measures – so someone has taken matters into their own hands.

In the last few days someone appears to have taken a strimmer to the vegetation overhanging the bend where Rue du Bordeaux turns into Castle Road (pictured above) to improve visibility and make it easier for motorists to see walkers in the road.

The issue was raised at the Vale Douzaine meeting on Monday, when concern was expressed that the wet summer had encouraged growth at the top of the dunes, but which meant pedestrians were obscured by it in the absence of any pavement or road markings to protect them.

"We raised this in the spring because it is a real issue," said Senior Constable Richard Leale, "and there's a very real risk someone is going to get hurt or worse on that bend. Unfortunately, States Traffic said that it wasn't a priority and that it was instead focussing on projects that accessed or were within the main centres of St Peter Port and the Bridge area and those around schools."

Mr Leale said he understood this response but it implied Traffic would only act if or when someone had been injured.

Dangerous bend
"For the douzaine, this was simply unacceptable as we've had many complaints of near misses on the bend and it's particularly hazardous for people with buggies or prams."

The decision was taken to use the parish contractor to keep the area clear – but it now looks like someone has beaten them to it. A reflection, Mr Leale said, of how risky the situation was.

"I'd welcome sitting down with Traffic and having a sensible discussion with them over this," said Mr Leale. "If we have to pay for a white line or hatching on the road to encourage motorists to give pedestrians a wider berth I'm sure the parish would happily consider that.

"In the meantime, I've asked our contractor to keep an eye on the growth there and ensure it remains cut back to people aren't taking their life in their hands every time they walk around the corner."

His own view remained that steps should be provided from the top of the bank down to the road so people could remain protected until the last minute.

More News