Initial response suggests Better Transport Plan is 'too little, too late'

Vale Senior Senior Constable Richard Leale said he, the office and other douzeniers had received complaints about the proposals, which seek to mitigate existing congestion in the Vale and St Sampson's.

"If I had to sum up the response received so far, it would be 'too little, too late,'" he said. "In many respects, that's understandable because everyone recognises, including E&I, that there's a problem now – before any new homes or commercial units are built."

He hoped, however, that parishioners and others would take time to read through and understand the proposals – which are available here – because of the importance of them to the parish.

"We need to acknowledge that the States have taken on board the concerns both northern parishes have expressed over the years and have presented a range of solutions to the problems, and to that extent we thank them.

Impact
"My own view, however, is that they will struggle to have much impact for two reasons. The first is overcoming funding, planning and other permissions. The other is that they risk being viewed as discriminatory by those they're aimed at."

 The reason for that was the plan actively tries to discourage people from driving a car or owning one (by making walking and cycling easier and promoting car sharing clubs), which could be seen as implying that if you live in the north then you’re not allowed to own a car.

The other element that sat uncomfortably with him was a proposal that certain roads were closed to through traffic and were restricted for access to properties only.

Mr Leale urged people to respond to the consultation – see below for details – and hoped that Environment would take on board any feedback. "It's good that Environment has belatedly acknowledged resolving the existing infrastructure issues," he said. "It's just not clear to me or some of my colleagues how new cycle routes and a travel app can make the difference that's required."

• If you would like more information or wish to comment on the Better Transport Plan, you can:
  • email [email protected] 
  • write to Better Transport Plan, Traffic and Highway Services, Edward T Wheadon House, Le Truchot, St Peter Port, GY1 3WH.