ESG Newsletter Feb 12th
Hello- some news on the green front – the ESG welcomes the publication of the Government “Sustainable Traffic, Transport and Parking Plan” – or the STTPP. It’s well worth the read of two hours or so with several ideas on how to tackle hotspots, congestion issues and bring about clearer and calmer streets. As we said in our press release this week many of our transport problems have been detailed with measures proposed, that, if implemented, could begin to change existing transport options to healthier and more environmental choices. This will have the effect of reducing air and noise pollution levels on our streets and also benefit the planet and our purse!!
The public is invited to give feedback on the Plan and will hopefully do so. The idea about creating street metered parking zones to free these up from long-term street parking; introducing safe cycling routes; increase pedestrianisation in certain hotspots in town; the imminent use of the top of the city walls are just some of the examples of how we can move forward and away from chronic traffic problems in Gibraltar. Imagine how many more people will choose to walk or cycle with fewer cars on the roads? The issue of how the end of the runway road, once completed, will impact on overall traffic issues in the northern end of Gibraltar is still not fully understood according to the Plan. This would still require other measures such as Park and Ride and new bus services etc. No doubt tonight’s Viewpoint on GBC will explore these and other recommendations made by the Plan.
Another interesting issue coming up soon next weeks DPC meeting which takes place a little earlier this month – on the 18th February, at the usual time of 9.30am. The agenda is online at the Town Planning website and the meetings are open to the public. Among agenda items of interest to the ESG is: details provided on the Waterport Desalination Plant, a proposed Nursing Home at Both Worlds southern site, and a deployment plan presented by Gibtelecom for the 4G antenna service. The ESG has met with Gibtelecom and other Govt departments and agencies in the past few weeks and has been able to discuss matters of concern relating to existing and proposed mast installations and can confirm that discussions are going forward very positively.
As we enter pre-election period, we too, at the ESG, are getting our aims and objectives in order and will be holding a series of meetings with the main political parties to discuss in detail our concerns and recommendations.
Our Wish List has seen several upgrades recently as key issues are constantly evolving but we pledge to have our final document on our website by the end of the month and welcome discussion and questions from anyone with particular interest in any of the 14 subject areas concerned. These include: Climate Change, Energy, Environmental Action and Management Plan, Pollution, Traffic, Recycling and Litter, Waste, Sewage Treatment, Bunkering, Conservation, Mobile Phone Masts and Awareness, Planning, Cross Border Issues, Epidemiological Studies.
Please contact us at 200-48996, mobile 549600000 or email esg@gibtelecom.net
