Jan 05 - Government Rolls Out Initial Stage of Sustainable Traffic, Transport and Parking Plan
Three years since its commencement, the Government’s flagship ‘Sustainable Traffic, Transport and Parking Plan’ has had its initial release, in the form of a draft document to inform the masses on the problem areas and potential solutions to resolve the most common issues, including parking and demand management, public transport, sustainable travel, road safety and traffic management, re designing Gibraltar’s urban structure, and how the plan will be implemented.
Speaking to the press today, the Chief Minister revealed that there are 32,700 inhabitants on the Rock sharing a combined 27,874 vehicles between them. The preparation for the STTPP included surveys carried out by drivers, bus passengers and pedestrians in order to establish the main issues that Gibraltar faces.
The Government is adamant that the plan, which was developed by Mott MacDonald, will be followed by a public consultation before it is adapted and finalized.
Much of the Plan focuses on providing ‘a high quality transport system that people choose as an alternative to the car’ via and efficient transport network, improved environmental conditions, accessibility, and transport security.
The Plan suggests the pedestrianization of areas including Market Place and southern parts of Main Street and more 'gateways' into the city centre. It also discusses new cycling routes and parking in order to encourage locals to use their cars less and embrace greener alternatives. New parking and traffic management controls include the launch of pay and display parking services in areas such as Waterport Road and Line Wall Road. 
Further plans for a more sustainable bus service are also discussed including the possibility of launching a night bus service for specific days and times of the year. In order to improve movement to and from the Frontier the Plan discusses the Airport Access Tunnel and potential new pedestrian routes across the runway and public transport connections underneath the runway.
Much of the plan focuses on influencing the community to use their cars less, with the introduction of more reliable and sustainable pedestrian routes, cycling routes and public transport services.
The next step now, Traffic Minister Balban explained, would be the two-week period of public consultation and then the commencement of small pilot schemes, including new parking measures in the area of St. Joseph’s School, in order to encourage fluidity of cars and buses during peak school pick up and drop off times.
The Sustainable Traffic and Parking Plan can be found in its entirety at www.gibraltar.gov.gi. Those wishing to give their input on the plan can email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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