Monday 20 October 2014
Media enquiry from Guernsey Press:
In regard to the Gazette Notice on page 47 of the Press today, can the department please explain the reasoning behind the changes made. This is for tomorrow's paper so if you could please respond by 4pm today.
Environment Department response:
The Department was recently approached by the Police with regard to problematic un/loading at the Bridge. The issues identified include vehicles stopped on footpaths, near pedestrian crossings and on traffic Islands. As a result of this, investigations have taken place that have revealed a shortfall in provision for un/loading by commercial vehicles and also a recognition that many of the existing bays restrict un/loading to the hours between 08:00 and 10:00.
To help alleviate the above, the Department is proposing creation of non time restricted un/loading bays adjacent to Le Bourgs Hospice shop, Kwai's take-away and Bob & Red book makers. The changes would require relocation of a disabled bay and loss of approximately 9 short term car parking bays. Whilst loss of short term parking near shops may be viewed as a concern by some businesses, it is worth bearing in mind that surveys have revealed spare capacity of short term parking around the Bridge, particularly adjacent to Marine & General Engineers.
Should the above mentioned un/loading facilities be increased, the Department will also look to progress a scheme with the Bridge Floral Group involving placement of planters in some of the areas where problematic un/loading has been observed.
In analysing the results of the parking surveys, the Department also recognised that there are opportunities to increase the level of long term parking at North Quay adjacent to Guernsey Electricity. This has been prioritised as a result of public concerns about the Harbour Authority's decision to prioritise the use of the majority of Le Crocq Pier for marine related uses, whereas it had historically been used for unofficial parking for much of the year. Following this review, the Department has also agreed in principle to rezone the 16 public parking spaces on Le Crocq from 5-hour to 10-hour disc parking.
The Department has, therefore, agreed in principle to provide additional un/loading facilities and make modest changes to the balance of long and short term parking at the Bridge but it is important that interested parties provide feedback by the end of this month. This will be taken into account before the Department decides whether to proceed with the scheme or parts of it.
Signs are on site at the Bridge indicating the changes that are proposed but should the public require further information or clarification about the proposals, they are advised to contact the Traffic Services Unit on (01481) 243400.
ENDS
