It also gives more weight to the Guernsey Motor Trades Association, which has been calling for pollution control and testing of exhaust emissions. Unsurprisingly, for followers of these things, it highlights the inability or unwillingness of the States Traffic Committee to think strategically. There is too much traffic in Guernsey and it is damaging people's health. In particular, it damages the fabric of St Peter Port. It also costs individuals and firms significant amounts as they rent private spaces to avoid the misery caused by too many cars.
Taxpayers suffer, too, as they subsidise the bus company to no defined or measurable end.
So the Board of Health intervention is especially welcome. It shows that someone, even if not the responsible committee, does care about these things and that traffic pollution is on the political agenda. Tackling the root cause will be difficult and potentially unpopular. Dealing with exhaust emissions that exceed set levels is much easier, as a first step. After all, no one can object to the principle of setting 'safe' limits.