The scheme, which is being spearheaded by Environment Minister John Young, would allow motorists to travel on Jersey roads only for a set number of days during each calendar month, in order to reduce pollution and traffic congestion.
Islanders would be allotted a series of days alphabetically – based on their surname – to be displayed using the number plate of any vehicle registered to them.
Similar restrictive measures have been trialled in countries such as India, where the Delhi government attempted to improve the capital city’s air quality by limiting drivers to alternate days.
Deputy Young said he intended to speak with the Infrastructure Department about how soon the APR1 regulations could be implemented, and would also be discussing how they could be effectively enforced by the States police with Home Affairs Minister Len Norman.
‘With the Island’s carbon-neutral goals in mind, this scheme will help encourage sustainable transport while simultaneously reducing traffic congestion and the subsequent impact on the environment,’ said Deputy Young.
Under the initiative, road users would eventually be able to apply to Driver and Vehicle Standards to change the days they were allowed to drive on – subject to an approval process and a minor fee for updating the licence plate markings.
‘Jersey cannot afford to keep tinkering at the edges when it comes to reducing our carbon emissions,’ said the Deputy.
‘This somewhat drastic but highly effective measure will serve as a step in the right direction.’
When asked by the JEP how many days of ‘driving time’ each Islander would receive for each month, the Deputy said this was yet to be discussed.
Jersey is currently planning to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030, and a citizens’ assembly has been formed to help decide how the Island can meet its environmental objectives.
