ESG Radio Newsletter 24th March 2016
Key Words:- Traffic and Transport Plan, Tracking and Idling, Western Beach and Large Marine Fuel Facility
In this newsletter before the Easter break we wanted to share some focus on a few environmental issues of interest to the public and our members.
As many will know the ESG works year round to achieve as many of our goals as possible. These goals are contained in our Wish List, or Core Aims list and can be found on the home page of our website: esg-gib.net.
We have recently met with the Minister for Transport, Mr Paul Balban, and presented our concerns and aims related to transport and traffic in Gibraltar. We have also been calling for the publication and implementation of the new Traffic and Transport plan. We therefore welcome the Ministers interview on GBC recently committing to the imminent release of the implementation plan.
We are also keen to see installed the bus tracking system believing this can only help persuade more and more car drivers to move to using public transport with confidence. Another concern we have is that of idling – that is leaving your engine running while parked – be it roadside anywhere, or at the border especially when there are traffic jams or gridlock. Idling releases toxic fumes which are harmful to health and affect pedestrians, cyclists and even those same people sitting in cars. Idling wastes fuel and also produces noise pollution. In the UK there are various statutes and laws, which exist to minimise and control unnecessary idling. We shall be taking this matter up once again with the Minister to explore what can be done in Gibraltar to eliminate this additional pollution from our streets.
Western Beach is once again in our sights as we prepare our response to the European Commissions pledge to look at taking legal action against Spain for the infringement of fecal water discharge into this cross border site, fairly certain now that the Sp Authorities appear to have no intention of resolving this environmental problem. We are also calling on our MEPs to follow the process and progress of any legal moves on the part of the Commission. If action isn’t taken soon it is likely that Western Beach will not be open this summer under the higher bathing water standards now in place.
The ESG is preparing a separate press release on the recent tender announcement by Govt and the Gibraltar Port Authority regarding inviting proposals for a substantial Land Based Marine Fuel facility in Gibraltar.
We want to know if this facility will replace the current activity at the Detached Mole. We have called for transparency and full public participation in any land based fuel facility as contained in our wish list but believe the situation has changed given that LNG is now being discussed not only for the new power station but also as a potential bunkering fuel. As a group we are very concerned about industrialising Gibraltar further and will be seeking answers from all involved on this project.
That’s it for now –thanks for listening – have a good and peaceful Easter break and remember you can always get more information from our website at esg-gib.net.
