Oct 27 – GSD Sets Out Policies To Make Gibraltar A “World Leader” In Environmental Matters
The GSD has this morning presented a series of environmental policy proposals to create a “better and greener” Gibraltar. A new power station away from residential areas, more use of renewable sources of energy, vehicle emission controls and a new cycling rental scheme are just some of the ideas which the party will present to the electorate next month.
These are the key proposals:
Power station will be built at Lathbury
The party says that “for reasons of both health and public safety” the power station should be away from densely populated areas and people's homes.
Back-up Power Supply – The Moroccan Link
The party says it will investigate laying a cable across the Strait to connect Gibraltar’s electricity grid to Morocco.
Focus on Renewables
The GSD would encourage the use of renewable energy sources by people and businesses.
Oil Disposal And Bio-diesel
The party promises to enhance recycling facilities and expand them to include home collection of oil products. The GSD says this can then be used to locally produce “significant quantities of bio-diesel” which can, in turn, power public buses
Complete Sewage Treatment Works
The party says that the present Government “has failed in four years to complete the sewage treatment works”. It therefore commits itself to building a new plant as soon as possible if it were elected.
Enhance Air Quality Monitoring and Emission Controls
The GSD says it will place a new air quality monitoring station at the north end of town to improve the collection of data and ensure that “stringent vehicle emissions monitoring” takes place.
Encouraging Electric Vehicles
The GSD will aim to introduce tax allowances or rates relief for initiatives such as electric cars and solar panels, encourage residents to buy electric cars and create “electric car only” parking spaces.
New Cycle Rental Scheme
The party said: “The GSLP/Liberals did us a huge environmental disservice by getting rid of the 'Gibi-bike', we would re-introduce a similar in town cycling rental scheme. Encouraging cycling has both environmental and health benefits.”
Part of this scheme would also include the introduction of cycle lanes.
Fishing With Nets
Finally, the GSD says it would Spanish Fishermen to fish with EU compliant nets as long as they possess a local license. The party says that the law, in this respect, will be upheld.
Pic: Trevor Hammond, Danny Feetham and Lawrence Llamas.
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