Thursday 08 October 2015
Environment response to BBC press query
Media Enquiry from BBC Channel Islands News:
I am doing a story for broadcast tonight about a cycle path in St Peter Port on Royal Avenue. We have footage of cars and vans parked in the cycle lane and have spoken to a cyclist who is annoyed about it. It is on private land, I believe owned by Longport. I have approached them for a comment and am still waiting for a reply. I also have a comment from the police.
I would like either a TV interview with someone from the Department, the Minister perhaps as I know cycling is a passion of hers, or a statement explaining what can be done to improve the situation. It is an interesting issue as it is private land, which to most cyclists looks like it has a public cycle path through it. And if the police cannot ticket cars parked illegally on a private road, what can be done?
Environment Department Response:
Royal Avenue is a private road and therefore the traffic signage and road markings cannot be enforced in the same way as if it was a public road. Nevertheless, it is frustrating that drivers are not respecting that a cycle lane has been provided and by parking in it, are potentially placing cyclists at risk if they are forced to divert into the carriageway. The Department has previously advised cyclists affected by this to contact the landowners and request that they take steps to try to resolve the issue.
The Active Travel Unit will liaise with the property owners and businesses in the area with offers to promote the importance of safe cycling.
Contact Information:
Phil Ogier, Senior Traffic Services Officer
Environment Department
Tel: 243400
