The government its latest landmark policy document, Introduction to Public Space, continuing a decisive shift away from decades of car-centric town planning.
The guide highlights how, in the mid-20th century, “town squares were turned into town car parks” as the private car was seen as “the future of the modern world”.
The document states that “there is not enough physical space to accommodate a private car for each citizen” and advocates a fundamental redesign.
It champions “walkable and ‘rollable’” streets that prioritise pedestrians and inclusivity over vehicle movement.
Public Spaces
This transformation is linked to critical issues beyond transport. The guide directly connects high-quality public spaces to community wellbeing, noting that “people who live in walkable communities claim to know their neighbours better”.
The word claim is doing a lot of heavy lifting there...
It also frames the change as an economic imperative, citing research that people who walk or cycle “spent 40% more in their local shops than motorists”.
Environmental and health benefits are central to the strategy, aligning with the Island’s UNESCO Biosphere status.
The plan states that a “dense network of green spaces has a cooling effect” and promotes “active travel, and therefore reduce carbon emissions”.
The document urges a collaborative and experimental approach, promoting “tactical urbanism” through low-cost trials.