Aug 06 - Government Promises More Parking Spaces In Town Area As From September
- 250 spaces will be ready by Fair week
- 700 spaces by end of September
- Government committed to increasing mid-town parking
The Government says it is both “ironic and revealing” that the GSD has chosen the lead-up to the Fair, to voice concerns and suggestions regarding parking in town rather than submit them during the public consultation period of the Sustainable Traffic Transport and Parking Plan (STTPP). It is evident, says Number Six, that the Opposition are “simply seeking to capitalise on the temporary parking difficulties that Gibraltar has always experienced during Fair week in an attempt to score cheap political points for their short-sighted ideas.” The Government also reminds Mr Figueras that he has already stated that the GSD would not do away with the STTPP if elected into Government.
A detailed statement on the matter continued: “The transformation of a car park to the Commonwealth Park created a much-needed green space at the heart of town, and the impact that this is having on the quality of life of Gibraltarians of all ages is clear to see. What is also evident is the sheer inability of the Opposition to see the bigger picture: in his blinkered criticisms Mr Figueras fails to realise that the King’s Wharf car park has a far greater capacity – namely, 360 parking spaces provided to the public free of charge, and 17 pay and display spaces – than the 342 spaces that were situated on the site of the fantastic Commonwealth Park that we enjoy today. For fair week, approximately 250 spaces will be made available in the new multi-storey parking at MidTown on a temporary basis.
“Whilst the Opposition obsess over short-term plans, the Government has been busy making its plans for a better, more sustainable future a reality in the shortest time possible, with the minimum possible disruption. With this in mind a new, free public car park has been created at Eastern beach well in time to enhance beachgoers’ enjoyment of the summer months, and the plans for the MidTown Development incorporate spaces for 1000 cars, which will, from the end of next month, provide a further 700 free parking spaces in a new purpose-built facility in the very heart of the town area.
“The Government notes the Opposition’s recognition that there is an ‘ongoing’ parking problem in Gibraltar: a problem that is the result of the complete failure of the previous GSD Government to address parking issues for 16 years.”
{fcomment}
