THE small-car parking scheme in Town will be expanded soon.

As part of its road transport strategy, Environment has been investigating introducing more dedicated spaces for small cars after an area was put aside on the Crown Pier.

‘Progress has been made in identifying and planning for additional small-car parking in the Town area,’ said Environment minister Peter Sirett.

‘Thirty-six 10-hour bays will be introduced at the North Beach car park and 16 two-hour bays at the Albert Pier, creating, overall, an additional 10 bays. It is expected that these will be installed in the near future after advisory leaflets have been prepared and planning arranged for the painting of the lines and the creation of new signs.’

The road transport strategy was introduced in 2006, but it was only last month that full funding was secured when the States decided to overturn previous paid parking decisions and instead add an extra 1.2p per litre to fuel.

That means that other elements can now also be progressed, including introducing a free school bus service.

Environment has successfully trialled this at Vauvert, La Houguette and St Sampson’s schools over the past two years.

‘The funds for the trial have, to date, been met from within the department’s existing resources,’ said Deputy Sirett.

‘The resolutions of the States following the February paid parking debate will now result in the required funds being available to extend the scheme.’

Environment is keen to extend the scheme to all schools and will bring a States report.