Vienna Convention approved for Guernsey cars

Friday 14 December 2018

Guernsey will get an MOT-style system meaning cars will have to be tested locally before they can be driven elsewhere, once the UK leaves the EU.

All cars will have to be assessed, even if they are never going to be driven in Europe, under the rules which the States of Guernsey now wants to adopt.

The new rules will cover all cars five years or older, and will see each car tested every three years from that age on.

The Policy and Resources Committee will now have to work with the UK to extend the Convention to cover Guernsey too. Jersey is also doing this, but the Isle of Man isn't.

The Vienna Convention was designed to "facilitate international road traffic and to increase road safety through the adoption of uniform traffic rules," across the European Union. It was first agreed in 1968 and was updated in 1993.

Deputy Barry Brehaut asked the States to ratify the convention so that drivers from Guernsey could take their cars to France and beyond after the UK leaves the EU next year.

Pictured: Theresa May is still fighting for a Brexit deal which will be accepted by her parliament and her country. 

With the Brexit deadline set for 29 March, Deputy Brehaut said; "the risk of future disruption to islanders when attempting to drive to Europe post Brexit will increase after March 29...that is not a risk we're willing to take."

He said once Guernsey signs up to the Vienna Convention the island will be obliged to adopt all of its policies, which will include requiring all cars older than five years to have an MOT style test every three years

Deputy Brehaut said it will also stop some of the hassle Guernsey drivers get or will get when the UK leaves the EU - while demonstrating that Guernsey takes its road safety obligations seriously.

Pictured: Deputy Barry Brehaut. 

One of the unexpected consequences of adopting the Vienna Convention though is that driving on the pavement in Guernsey may now be illegal with stronger recommendations for the police to enforce it.

Deputy Brehaut said it will become illegal and by quoting a 1928 law he explained that even now, the pavement is not meant to be used by car drivers.

"I appreciate that the pavement is a refuge for pedestrians, it's a place of safety for the pedestrian. From 1953 when there were 12,000 cars in circulation to today when there are 44,000 licences issued and many more cars in circulation, including 11,000 commercial vehicles, people tend to default to the pavement unthinkingly. Consequently people are less inclined to walk and use the pavements, which is that horrible catch-22.

"So I hope there'll be a clear message to say, on exceptional circumstances when roads are too narrow you can mount the pavement. It does not mean you can drive on the pavements and maintain your speed."

Deputy Mary Lowe, the Home Affairs President, said the law would have to be very carefully written so that it can be enforced. Deputy Brehaut said it was already clear but that everyone should work together to ensure people do not drive on the pavement unnecessarily.

Other quirks of the law where Guernsey differs from the UK and Europe, including allowing teenagers of 14 to ride motor scooters, are covered domestically, so won't be affected by Guernsey adopting the Vienna Convention. 

Pictured top: The UK will be asked to extend the Vienna Convention to cover Guernsey once Brexit is complete.