Alderney’s General Services Committee (GSC) has announced a series of short, medium, and long-term plans to address growing traffic and parking issues identified in a recent public survey. The survey, which received 267 responses, highlighted concerns about larger vehicles on the roads, congestion from parked cars, and abandoned vehicles cluttering residential areas. Almost three-quarters of respondents expressed worries about the increase in larger vehicles, while over half pointed to the impact of abandoned vehicles.
In the short term, the GSC plans to improve road markings and signage to aid traffic flow and clarify parking areas. To promote pedestrian-friendly spaces, the lower end of Victoria Street will be closed to vehicles on four Saturday mornings in December, encouraging residents to enjoy the area on foot. Police will also work on educating the public about how improper parking affects the community, aiming to foster better parking habits. Additionally, an “Active Travel to Work” campaign will introduce initiatives like Walk to Work Day and Cycle to Work Week, encouraging alternatives to car travel. The GSC will also collaborate with the island’s planning officer to assess parking needs in new developments, with a focus on adding more disabled parking spaces where needed. Speed checks in residential areas will further support safety and inform future decisions about speed deterrents.
Medium-term plans include tackling the issue of abandoned vehicles, which were noted as a significant concern by survey respondents. The GSC intends to establish a streamlined process for identifying and removing abandoned cars in residential areas, helping reduce congestion. Police-led speed checks will continue in areas with speed limits under 35 mph (56 km/h), providing data that will inform the installation of physical speed deterrents.
Looking ahead, the GSC has proposed a long-term solution in the form of a permit parking system in St Anne, which would distinguish between resident and visitor parking. This system may limit parking to 28 days for non-residents, with vehicles that overstay considered abandoned. Meanwhile, Alderney’s Policy and Finance Committee is discouraging the import of large private vehicles by implementing fees, with future legislation aiming to further limit oversized vehicles on the island’s narrow roads.
These combined efforts reflect Alderney’s commitment to addressing residents’ concerns and creating safer, less congested streets while promoting sustainable transport alternatives. The GSC’s approach balances immediate action with long-term planning, all geared toward improving Alderney’s quality of life.
