New policy being created
Sat, 11/12/2016 - 12:00am
Efforts are under way to develop a Clean Transport Policy for this country.
That’s the word from Minister of Transport and Works, Michael Lashley, who also announced that very shortly that policy will go before Cabinet for its perusal and approval. That policy, Lashley said, will outline the objectives they are seeking to achieve in transforming the transport sector.
Speaking in the Lower House yesterday morning as the Members of Parliament resumed the debate on the Resolution to approve the Barbados Green Economy Scoping Study, Minister Lashley indicated that the initiative is all part of Government’s commitment to have a sustainable transport system. Moreover, he said that in an effort to bring the policy to fruition, officials from his Ministry have been engaged in discussions with officials from the Ministry of Environment.
“In order to develop a sustainable transport and a comprehensive national transport policy, we have to explore where necessary, and advance uses of alternate energy
– uses of solar power, compressed natural gas and of course clean technologies in the public and private sector,” he said.
He added, “Our actions in relation to a Clean Transport Policy will involve the undertaking of energetic and even aggressive stakeholder outreach; collaborating with the Ministry of Transport and Works and we’ve had discussion particularly with stakeholders, which include Government authorities responsible for energy, urban and rural planning environment, drainage, coastal zone management and of course the Barbados Renewable Energy Association.”
Lashley said in addition to the local stakeholders, his Ministry is cognisant of the need to engage regional and international institutions as well, so as to get the best practices, the best available assistance and even funding to bring the proposed policy to fruition. He made the point as he noted the proposed policy cannot be developed without the completion of pending legislation relevant to the transport sector.
With that in mind, Lashley disclosed that they are currently looking at the key platforms of the policy including improved traffic management measures and improvements in transport planning. Additionally, he said they are looking at the feasibility of a car sharing programme with the automotive industry leaders, to be put in place by 2020. The Transport and Works Minister explained that such a programme would not only help ease traffic congestion and reduce the load of vehicles within the urban corridor, but reduce harmful emissions in the urban corridor as well. Lashley noted that they are also looking at retrofitting streetlights with LEDs by 2017 and integrating electric buses into the public transport sector by 2018. (JRT)