In a response to a written question tabled by Deputy Montfort Tadier, Environment Minister John Young has suggested that drivers switch their car engines off while stationary in the Tunnel to help reduce pollution levels, while commuters on foot or using a bicycle who have respiratory issues should avoid using it during the rush hour.
Deputy Tadier has asked the minister to confirm whether it is safe for pedestrians and cyclists to use the Tunnel and what action is being taken to safeguard their health, after recent tests indicated that the levels of nitrogen dioxide within it are seven times higher than at Snow Hill.
The minister’s response says that while it is safe for pedestrians and cyclists to use the Tunnel, its air quality is poor during the rush hour according to recent tests.
‘The air quality tests carried out in Jersey’s Tunnel in June 2017 confirmed the air quality is poor during peak times,’ the response says.
‘However, the Environmental Health team advise me that people walking or cycling through the Tunnel are safe.
‘The Tunnel signage warning of poor air quality has recently been replaced and I believe it is for the public to decide if they wish to use the Tunnel or use an alternative route that has lower levels of pollution.’
The response adds that Environmental Health advises that motorists should ‘close their windows and switch off air vents’ to ‘reduce exposure to poor air quality’ while using the Tunnel and ‘when stationary, drivers should switch off engines’.
Meanwhile, cyclists and pedestrians are advised to ‘minimise the time they spend in the Tunnel’ and, if they have respiratory problems, to ‘avoid it at peak times’.
The minster’s response says that more ‘specialist monitoring’ of vehicle emissions has been carried out recently, allowing emissions from vehicles with different makes, models and ages to be monitored, which will ‘inform future evidence-based policy decisions’.
It says: ‘I take air quality matters very seriously. Working with other ministers and officers I will continue to explore ways to reduce vehicle emissions to benefit the air quality across the Island.
‘The proposed legislation necessary for Jersey to meet international standards for vehicle safety and roadworthiness, due to be debated by the States Assembly soon, will also make vehicles more environmentally friendly.’
It adds that it is ‘important to remember that air quality across the Island is generally very good’.
Earlier this month, Infrastructure Minister Kevin Lewis announced that he intends to introduce MOT-style tests for cars in Jersey, which would comply with international environmental guidelines.
