TRANSPORT

Gibraltar has consistently failed to comply with EU and WHO air quality guidelines, resulting in high levels of respiratory and heart disease. Our roads are severely congested, which not only affects air pollution, but also has an impact on stress levels. Our transport culture results in lifestyle choices that generate other health problems such as obesity. Gibraltar is 6 km², yet poor transport planning and infrastructure makes many people still prefer to drive rather than walk, cycle or use public transport options. During peak hours, the problem is compounded by the large number of visiting vehicles. Our objective is to create accessible transport alternatives that each all corners of Gibraltar, reducing journey times and improving our air quality and general health. We will:

• Work with stakeholders to develop our incentives and infrastructure for hybrids and electric vehicles, including creating charging points in public spaces and providing real incentives for installation in estates and privately-owned spaces.

• Identify ways to reduce the number of heavy-duty lorries from our city centre, with the noise and pollution that they bring.

• As the transport plan is phased in and other alternatives are provided, create an Ultra-Low Emission Zone and introduce stricter emissions standards on those vehicles eligible to enter these zones. MOT standards will ensure that the vehicles not meeting emissions standards are kept off the road.

• Create alternatives to private motor transport by improving our public transport infrastructure. We will deliver a fleet of electric and hybrid buses that will serve a comprehensive bus network, providing a cleaner, faster and higher frequency service to more of Gibraltar.

• Develop a cycle infrastructure, making riding a bike in Gibraltar an enjoyable, safe and viable alternative to motorised transport. This plan see will be implemented in 4 stages, with the first to be implemented immediately. It will include signage, secure parking and include a separate lane from motorised traffic.

• Retrofit the existing bike-sharing scheme to allow for electric bikes and ensure that the mobile app is accessible and intuitive to use.

• Establish a park and ride scheme with rapid transport between the frontier and Main Street, easing congestion and improving the tourist experience.

• Foster local innovation with grants to develop car-pooling schemes and other innovative means to share transport.

• Legislate to allow the safe use of e-Scooters, introducing 20km/h speed limits, compulsory insurance and use of helmets, requirements for an existing moped or car license and limiting passengers to a single person.

• Introduce zebra/pelican crossings at hazardous crossings, such as at Line Wall Road to reach the Youth Centre.

• Develop a more pleasant, walkable Gibraltar, including the creation of a walking loop around Gibraltar, fitting Dudley Ward Tunnel with appropriate ventilation and access suitable for foot traffic.

• Rezone sections of Line Wall Road allowing for greater access to buses, cyclists and pedestrians.

• Develop a more welcoming entrance to Casemates Square and Main Street by relocating the bus terminal and pedestrianising most of Market Square.

• Limit and control vehicular traffic through the Upper Town, starting from Governor’s Street.

• Encourage the adoption of alternative forms of transport by ensuring our community has a well-maintained journey planner with an APP option; highlighting parking zones, public transport options and cycle / walking routes.

• Provide a more inclusive and accessible public transport network, including better access for wheelchairs and strollers on our buses. From footpaths to public transport, accessibility will be considered a top priority.

• Implement thorough consultation with the taxi association in order to try to reach consensus for a better service and cleaner method environmentally.

• Ensure that there is parking for all who require it. This includes our proposal for an underground 325 space parking under the proposed Queens Park. It will serve residents of Alameda Estate and the surrounding areas, as well as visitors to the Upper Rock. Queens Park will include a transport hub allowing ready access to the bus network and taxi service.