Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I am informed by the Traffic Management and Road Safety Unit of my Ministry that the Belle Rose Avenue consists of the following road segments – (i) Two-way road from its junction with Victoria Avenue up to its Junction to d’Epinay Avenue; (ii) One way road from its junction with d’Epinay Avenue up to its junction with Draper Avenue with traffic flowing in the direction of Port Louis-St Jean along A1 Road, and

82 (iii) Two-way road from its junction with Draper Avenue to its junction with A1 Road. Now, the whole stretch of Belle Rose Avenue up to its junctions with the A1 Road, that is, the one-way stretch is built up on both sides with high pedestrian activity, irrespective of timing within or beyond peak school hours and holidays. Also, there are many educational institutions along the one-way segment of Belle Rose Avenue, namely – • Gaetan Raynal State College; • Baichoo Madhoo Government School, and • Royal Rock School. Two speed traffic calming devices have been installed along Belle Rose Avenue in front of Gaetan Raynal State College. All road markings and traffic signs associated with the traffic calming devices have been designed taking into consideration the one-way traffic flow. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I am further informed by the TMRSU that the width of the one-way segment of Belle Rose Avenue varies from 4.5 metres to 5.3 metres, with the presence of footpath on one side of the road. Due to the narrowness of Belle Rose Avenue along this stretch, it is not adequate to cater for a two-way traffic and warrants that it remains a one-way traffic, because you need at least 5 metres for a two-way traffic to flow. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, additionally, it is worth mentioning that it is not recommended to convert Belle Rose Avenue from its junction to d’Epinay Avenue up to its junction with Draper Avenue, because it is not practical to adjust the road markings and traffic signs associated with the traffic calming measures on a daily basis to cater for a temporary two-way traffic movement. The one-way segment of Belle Rose Avenue may, however, be permanently converted into a two-way traffic provided land is acquired by the highway authority, namely the Municipal Council of Quatres Bornes in this case, for subsequent widening of the road where necessary. The sworn land surveyor of the TMRSU has already surveyed Belle Rose Avenue, highlighting all existing features that will entail, I am told, demolishing existing block walls of people living there. In the meantime, the Municipal City Council has installed pavements, etc.

83 This survey plan will help for the Municipal Council of Quatre Bornes to determine the extent of land required to widen the Belle Rose Avenue to cater for a safe and efficient two- way traffic movement on a permanent basis.

You have a question, yes.

Je vous remercie, M. le président. M. le président, je suis en possession d’une pétition signée par les habitants de la région de Belle Rose, qui demandent que cette portion de route sur l’Avenue Belle Rose à côté de l’école de Baichoo Madhoo soit réaménagée en double sens uniquement les week-ends et pendant les vacances scolaires. Le ministre peut-il indiquer à la Chambre, si son ministère serait disposé à envisager à titre expérimental, sachant qu’au préalable cette route était déjà en double sens dans le passé, un tel aménagement afin d’en évaluer les effets sur la fluidité du trafic ? Je vous remercie.

The hon. Member is right. About 10 years ago, it was a two- way traffic, and then, people of the locality had requested that it be converted in one way arrangement. But then, on a pilot basis, for certain specific time/days – weekends, public holidays and school holidays – I think we can envisage conducting a site visit and explore the possibilities.

Next question! Hon. Second Member for Belle Rose & Quatre Bornes! HILLCREST AVENUE TO PORT LOUIS – PERSISTENT TRAFFIC CONGESTION – REMEDIAL MEASURES