AN alternative site for a park-and-ride trial scheme in the west of the Island has been discussed with the Infrastructure Minister, according to the environmental group behind the plans.
Jersey in Transition had initially unveiled a proposal to use the former Covid-19 testing area at the Airport, to replicate the many successful park-and-ride initiatives seen in other countries, including the UK.
Such schemes enable commuters to park their cars on the outskirts of a town or city and travel into the centre by bus or another form of sustainable transport.
The environmental group argued that the Airport site – which is served by multiple bus routes including the 15 and 22 – was big enough to allow “hundreds” of people to make use of the trial initiative each day.
However, Infrastructure Minister Andy Jehan last month said he had identified “another potential site” and wanted to discuss “how to take it forward” with the group.
Jersey in Transition chair Nigel Jones said: “We had a meeting with him [Mr Jehan] and he suggested the gravel car park that is part of the sports field opposite the airport garage.”
He added that the group was “happy to go along with that plan” as it “serves the same purpose”, noting that the site was also covered the 15 and 22 bus routes.
“I would really like to get this working in time for the summer,” he continued.
“It could take dozens of cars off the road within a reasonable period of time.”
During yesterday’s States sitting Mr Jehan also said he had considered free parking that “could be attached” to the scheme, which he was “in discussions with an environmental group about trialling”.
