'We need action on bad driving and noisy vehicles'

The quality of driving on local roads has got worse, according to driver Chris Mollet

Chris Mollet drives for a living and says his working day is often blighted by other drivers crossing the central white line or tailgating his vehicle.

The Guernsey driver said: "When you are trying to concentrate to drive a 24-ton truck, or whatever, and you have someone two inches away from your bumper, it's a little bit off-putting."

Mr Mollet was among those speaking about driving standards as two States committees are set to consider an independent report, looking at ways of improving road safety.

He said: "I feel like there are fewer people following the law now."

Alongside driving 24 tonne lorries, Mr Mollet also uses a motorbike and an e-bike to get around the island.

"I feel a bit more vulnerable in the car, and then I've got the motorbike as well, which is starting to get not as enjoyable now, because I feel a bit more vulnerable.

"By far the most vulnerable I feel is when I go on the e-bike. Only the other day I had two people overtake me with a car coming the other way, which to me is just ridiculous."

'We've lost the old Guernsey'

The two States committees with responsibility for road safety are set to consider an independent report looking at various proposals.

It has recommended installing speed cameras, introducing a points-based system for offences and toughening up pavement surfing laws.

Mr Mollet said: "It feels a bit like we've lost the old Guernsey really.

"Years ago it was quite a courteous place and you felt safe that everyone was looking out for each other."

Sue Mollet says she feels safe when she goes out in the car with her son Chris

Mr Mollet's mum Sue often goes out in the car with her son.

"I feel safe with Chris, but you do get a lot of drivers and bikes which just pull right out in front of you," she said.

"And the amount of cars that go through red traffic lights is unbelievable."

Mr Mollet said the quality of driving on island roads left both him and his mother nervous of riding bicycles.

"I find cars do not always give me the space that I want, they overtake very close and my balance isn't perfect due to medical issues, so I feel quite nervous when they do that.

"Sometimes I want to turn back and go home almost as soon as I leave."

Michael Watt has been lobbying deputies urging them to tackle the issue of noisy vehicles

For Michael Watt it is not the quality of driving which frustrates him about island roads, but noisy vehicles.

"I know there are a lot more important things going on, like housing and stuff. But I've been bleating on for years about noisy small motorbikes. It's just horrible when they go by I need to block my ears, it's horrendous," said Mr Watt.

Les Gallienne is hopeful to see some action this term on noisy vehicles

Les Gallienne said he had also been lobbying deputies to tackle the problem of noisy vehicles.

"They ruin a lot of people's peace and quiet," he said.

Mr Gallienne said he attended a packed public meeting five years ago about the issue, which he hoped would lead to some action.

Earlier this year the States agreed to introduce a decibel limit for vehicles, but the president of Environment and Infrastructure said it would take a long time to implement.

Mr Gallienne said there were certain hotspots around the island where the noise level was at its worse.

"The nippers are up and down in the summer from The Bridge to Delancey Park, up and down to and fro and that can be quite annoying in the evenings.

"You get quite a few of them going by, can't hear the TV, can't hear anything and some of them at two and three in the morning, waking up the whole neighbourhood and it frightens wildlife."