States reject idea to install parent-child parking around Guernsey

The States has responded to a petition for parent-and-child parking, saying the spaces will not be introduced at this time.

Last week, mum-of-two Victoria Robert launched a petition calling for parent-and-child parking bays to be installed in Guernsey's public car parks.

She said many existing spaces are too narrow, making it difficult for parents with prams and car seats to get children safely in and out of their vehicles.

The online petition has now attracted more than 90 signatures, while the original Island FM story has prompted dozens of comments from parents, but with opinion divided.

The States has now responded.

Head of On-Island Travel and Transport Implementation Laura Oxburgh says although they recognise families can be affected by this issue, parent-and-child parking spaces will not be introduced at this time.

“We recognise that many spaces within public car parks are relatively narrow and that parents and carers can face challenges when getting children, car seats, pushchairs and other belongings in and out of vehicles.

"Vehicles have generally become larger over time, which can make accessing vehicles more difficult within standard-sized parking bays.

“This is an issue that is very much on our radar.

"Current local legislation, however, does not provide a mechanism for parent and child parking spaces to be formally designated and enforced in the same way as disabled parking bays.

“While it would be possible to amend the relevant legislation, subject to the appropriate policy development, consultation and legislative processes being followed, this would require the diversion of officer, legal and drafting resources."

Laura says there are practical challenges with managing the spaces.

"Even if such spaces were introduced, they would need to operate on a voluntary basis, relying on users to respect their intended purpose rather than through permits or enforcement measures.

"We are also aware of examples locally where parent and child spaces have been misused by motorists who were not accompanied by children.

"Whilst this does not diminish the benefits such spaces can provide, it does demonstrate some of the practical challenges associated with introducing and managing them."

She adds that upcoming developments could change the provision of parking in the future.

"We must also be mindful of a number of significant strategic projects that are likely to influence future parking provision across the Island.

"The Local Planning Briefs for both St Sampson's and St Peter Port have recently been approved by the States of Guernsey and, as these are progressed, they will bring forward proposals which may result in changes to parking provision within the Island's Main Centres.

"In addition, the Guernsey Development Agency is continuing to develop its vision for St Sampson's and will subsequently turn its attention to St Peter Port. These projects may have a significant bearing on future parking layouts, capacity and accessibility considerations.”