New crossing installed at scene of fatal accident

Friday 02 March 2018

A new pedestrian crossing has been clearly marked out by the Millennium Town Park at the spot where Clinton Pringle was killed 18 months ago.

The three-year-old was knocked down by a van when he ran across a 'shared space area' on Tunnel Street towards the park, while on holiday in the island in June 2016.

The tragic incident was witnessed by his mum and aunt, who were with him, as well as islanders in the area. Clinton’s death raised many questions over the road layout, with his father Michael setting up a petition against the use of shared spaces, which saw him even visit the UK Prime Minister, Theresa May, at 10 Downing Street as part of his campaign.

But until the court proceedings surrounding his death and an independent investigation into the road layout had completed, no major changes were made to the area.

Pictured: Islanders left tributes, flowers and toys for Clinton Pringle after the toddler was knocked over crossing the shared space by Millennium Town Park in June 2016. 

Once the Infrastructure Minister, Deputy Eddie Noel, gave his approval for the new crossing it was marked out on the 25 February along the same place Clinton where was knocked over on Tunnel Street.

The Director of Transport and Environmental Services for St. Helier, Silvio Alves, told Express: “This will help show and reinforce those using La Raccourche that they are approaching an area with vehicular movements and this will also make it clearer to vehicles in Tunnel Street that they are coming up to an area with pedestrians and cyclists exiting from La Raccourche.”

He added: “The Parish Roads Committee is committed to improving safety for all road users and will continue to review this area to explore all opportunities to enhance safety.”

Pictured: A new pedestrian crossing has been marked on Tunnel Street.

Geraint Jennings, St. Helier Procurer du Bien Public, said the new crossing: “Removes all doubt that the pedestrian has priority, and the more the pedestrian has priority the safer the smaller, the younger, the vulnerable and the elderly will feel. Why rely on people to know the highway code which give pedestrians right of way over vehicles.”

The parish also plans to provide pedestrian crossings in other roads around the town park - including Apsley Road and Chevalier Road - to make the area safer and clearer to pedestrians.