29 September 2009
Transport and Technical Services (TTS) wants to hear what the public think about changing the way they travel in Jersey. The Department has produced a consultation document for its Sustainable Transport Policy which outlines its vision and objectives for reducing the amount of car use and would like as many people as possible to complete the accompanying questionnaire.
Earlier this year it was agreed in the States Strategic Plan to ‘persuade people out of their cars by providing practical alternatives such as improved bus services, cycle tracks and footpaths.’ Consulting with the public is the first step in developing a Sustainable Transport Policy to achieve this change.
TTS suggests that reducing traffic levels by at least 15% will be a realistic and significant target to aim for. The impact of a 15% reduction can be clearly seen as this is approximately what traffic levels look like during school holidays.
The call for a reduction in car use is not just happening in Jersey, but is happening across the world. The reasons are mostly the same: reducing congestion and pollution and increasing physical activity to achieve health benefits.
“Our challenge is to come up with a policy that supports business and the community, but persuades and enables those who can, ideally, to choose to cycle and walk more, or perhaps take the bus or car share” said Connétable Mike Jackson, Minister for Transport and Technical Services. “We need to get an idea of what will make people change, what they will change to and what they will need to help with the change and allow it to happen.
“This is the reason for the consultation at this stage and we are also carrying out research and liaising with a top UK sustainable transport charity which has worked with towns and cities in the UK that have managed to reduce traffic levels.”
The Sustainable Transport Policy consultation document and accompanying questionnaire is available online, at the customer services centre in Cyril Le Marquand House and at parish halls. The closing date for the consultation is 30 November.
Sustainable Transport Policy consultation
gov.je