GUERNSEY’S controversial integrated traffic strategy – which included paid parking – might go back to public consultation before it is fully implemented. Deputy Bernard Flouquet, the new minister for the Environment, which includes the remit of the former Traffic Committee, hinted at the reform as he took over his new role.

‘Although, as a member of Advisory and Finance, I have been kept fully briefed on traffic policy, I have not always agreed with its direction,’ he said.

‘I foresee a period of further public consultation on the implementation of the strategy already approved by the States.’

The House has backed the integrated strategy twice, but refused twice to agree a rate for paid parking in Town’s long-stay car parks.

Former Traffic president Pat Mellor remains angry at that unwillingness to introduce paid parking, which would provide the income to pay for the strategy, but there was a marked reluctance in the old House to take that step.

Deputy Flouquet admitted that he had been approached by Chief Minister Laurie Morgan to take up the ‘poisoned chalice’ portfolio.

‘The challenge would put a lot of people off,’ he said.

The new department includes the responsibilities of the former Island Development Committee, Heritage, Traffic and the Board of Administration’s environmental mandate.

‘Some may consider it to be a gift box in which all the poisoned chalices have been wrapped. Perhaps it is, but I prefer to view it as a great opportunity and challenge to bring together those elements of the States that have for so long brought discord and misunderstanding.’

The Castel deputy spent five years at IDC and was vice-president of Heritage. He claimed a good insight into planning issues on a ‘somewhat overcrowded island’. But he hoped that progress could be made in speeding up the decision-making process, particularly on ‘middle-sized’ projects, including home and business requests, where delay could create extra expense.

Deputy Flouquet wanted to make design qualities ‘more Guernsey’. This can be done through a mechanism already incorporated into the Rural Area Plan of involving communities in area design statements. We need to give stronger guidance to our planners.’

Deputy Flouquet had been expected to continue the progress achieved on the Housing Authority once he failed in his bid to become chief minister.

Instead, he has handed over the role to former vice-president Dave Jones.

‘I have enjoyed my five years on Housing and two as president,’ he said. ‘My philosophy on housing was that there should be no blame culture, just focusing on the issues in a completely different way. That’s now paying dividends and we’re starting to see things come to fruition.’