‘Need to bridge the ever widening gap between words and deeds’ |04 March 2016
It was particularly heartening to follow in the media recently the re-introduced Road Safety Advisory Committee meeting along with the fortuitous timing of the signing ceremony for the 11th European Development Fund in aid of sustainable development, held on February 4. Especially, as my wife Rita re-took her driving test in the UK and I was successful too in the ‘Advanced’ twice. In addition, over the last three decades we have frequently visited Seychelles, utilising here on Mahé both private and public transport. However, it is perhaps poignant and interesting to note that on this particular 6-month visit, we have on numerous occasions declined the generous offers of car loans, choosing wisely instead: public transport.
Firstly*and primarily this decision is due to observing a different class of driver recently emerging: a minority who quite openly defy the ‘Highway Code’ with impunity; considering themselves to be not only superior, but above the law; a breed of motorists that presumably judge white lines & traffic lights to be little more than decorations. Secondly there are the ecological concerns, as in many developed countries the car has become the victim of its own success; resulting in undesirable levels of traffic congestion, increased obesity (particularly among the inactive of the population), pollution, and a laissez aller that must be costing millions of rupees Nationally to ‘Paradise’s ‘Blue Gold’, ‘Green Gold’ and the imported ‘Black-Gold’ economy.
History being cyclical, the first as cited above*regarding the abuse of freedom and self-given privileges seems to have a strong resonance with Stewart’s 1896 earlier proposals for a local rate to meet the cost of new roads and having to ruefully report: “I regret to say that the evasion of tax by the richer inhabitants is notorious.” Notably a time when the first four miles of road south of Victoria was only ‘shreds and patches’ unfit for carriage or cart traffic, and difficult even for pedestrians.
The time is surely now overdue, to end those advantages connected with the evasion of the law, and put pedestrians and the people first, as the majority of us are pedestrians and only a minority, drivers. It appears too, that socially we have almost come full circle in four decades since Albert Rene’s address on the evening of June 6, 1977, when in the second part he firmly announced: “In our system we cannot tolerate people who spend their time annoying others. For the past two or three years it has often been impossible for a lady or young girl to walk alone without being teased or insulted. In the Seychelles of the future this will stop and it will stop forthwith.” Lamentably, in some areas it has recommenced!
Material progress unfortunately, has often been accompanied by regressive and non-sustainable social values. An insidious influence from opening Pandora’s box; that I believe has its roots firmly anchored in the encroachment of American films, the free market and fast junk food, for example. These being cultural imports occupying the lower end of the social fabric barometer and often erroneously aspired to.
So, if we take the positive view of Albert Einstein’s adage: “We shall require a substantially new manner of thinking if mankind is to survive.” It is clearly imperative that we have a need to radically re-focus our direction concerning transport policy; offering a welcome opportunity to give priority to safety and our economy, together with the chance to be a model example of sustainable transport to the rest of the world.
One of the ideas has a recurring theme here: and that is to build bridges between our remarkable artistic past, present and future.
PUTTING THE PEOPLE FIRST & PEDESTRIAN SAFETY ~ IDEAS/PROPOSALS
(a) Non-slip specification for all concreted or tiled pedestrian precincts & pavements.
(b) Vehicle free zone for central Victoria* (after early morning deliveries & collections).
(c) ‘Marianne North 1883-4’ artist footbridge over highway to join Mont Fleuri & Latanier.
(d) ‘Paul Gaugin 1891-3’ artist footbridge over highway to join Petit-Paris & Providence.
(e) ‘Steamship arrival footbridge 1864’ over 5th June Avenue near Independence House.
RESPON’L/EFFICIENT TRAVEL, ENVIRON’T & SAFETY ~ IDEAS/PROPOSALS
(a) Congestion charge zone* for say all vehicles with less than 4 passengers including driver.
(b) Congestion charge funds after costs to SPTC for bus/camion fleet upgrading.
(c) Serious on the spot fines for shooting red lights & engaged zebra crossings.
(d) ‘Authentic Seychelles Experience’ ~ Revival of traditionalpous, camions & pirogues.
(e) Education ~ Law enforcement ensuring all adult & child passengers wear seat belts.
(f) Living Green Roofs ~ Capture of gaseous, particle pollutants. Garden City policy.
(g) Internet site for on-line car sharing (fuel costs too are shared in this scheme).
(h) Mobile roadside vehicle emission controls.
- An alternative to a ‘Congestion Charge Zone’ is of course a serious hike in fuel prices, but this would not impact on reducing pollution or congestion.
It has been observed that it is not without coincidence (whilst in the face of the paradoxical reality); that both the ‘Sustainable Development’ and the Road Safety Advisory Body with its broad agenda, convened on the same day. Highlighting quite clearly the need to radically bridge that ever widening gap between words and deeds; thereby extricating ourselves out of the moral dilemma of accepting ‘International Aid’ on the one hand, whilst permitting uncontrolled levels of carbon emissions to increase locally on the other.
Free-market forces if left unregulated will run counter current to the Planner’s goal of ensuring economic development and a better environment. The need for the Road Safety Advisory Committee meetings is I imagine, evidently due to: the former overtaking the latter. But, just as it was prior to independence, the question is when we obtain a traffic free central Victoria, not whether.
Faced with the current impact of global and local climate change; a proactive time frame for the various projects is therefore proposed: Suggesting here, that all the proposals be completed by the end of 2016, except: ‘Artistic Bridge’ constructions, which would be aimed to be completed in time for the 40th anniversary of June 5, 2017 or alternatively, our National Day which is now on June 29.
We would therefore need to get our skates on so to speak, if we wish to be actually skating or promenading around central Victoria by the end of this year, with a worthy achievement to celebrate the New Year in with.
Such bold initiatives together with a proactive time frame (despite the natural opposition that it would ferment in the short term), would I firmly believe in the long term; result in giving a much needed credibility among the people, and at the International negotiating table.
The ideas presented here are certainly not new in any way, or unique. So, given the scope and talent in this country it is considered that other intelligent and innovative ideas should be invited from all fields and generations so that the best proposals get implemented; particularly from our youth who are the future guardians. That is, if we are serious about our children and grandchildren inheriting a sustainable environment and economy. Naturally, the latter two are inextricably entwined as one, and therein lies the key to our future prosperity.
The penultimate paragraph here, is offered in recognition and thanks to the high standards of driving competence and safety as demonstrated by the SPTC drivers; not least because of the difficult terrain, but with buses that must also be quite a challenge to drive. I take my hat off in appreciation to these coach-gentlemen and coach-ladies of the islands.
I am here until mid-March and available to help out in the best interests of our remarkable country if needed. Meanwhile, I wish all concerned every success in their continued noble endeavours.
A.J.S. Warren Des RCA
(Ex 4° S. Producer/Designer & Rospa member – Silver grade)