Controversial Sark Sunday tractor reforms withdrawn

Peter Plummer drives the tractor-towed bus service, known locally as the "toast rack" because of the shape of its passenger-carrying trailer

Politicians in Sark have withdrawn a controversial proposal which would have allowed people to drive tractors on Sundays.

Tractors are the only motor vehicles allowed on the tiny Channel Island - but they can only be driven six days a week.

The proposal was submitted to the Chief Pleas, the island's parliament, by members of the Douzaine, the body which looks after roads.

However a spokesman for the Chief Pleas said the "opinion in the room" was that "nobody supported the proposal so it would have failed", so the chairman of the Douzaine withdrew it before the midsummer Chief Pleas, which took place on 3 July.

'Keep Sark special'

The six-day rule on tractor use can already be waived, with some people having special permission to drive their tractor seven days a week, such as the "toast rack" tractor service, which carries visitors up and down to the harbour.

The proposal had sparked controversy, with some residents arguing that the car-free status of the island, which has a population of about 580, attracted tourists and was important to "keep Sark special".

Conseiller Chris Bateson, chairman of the Douzaine, had previously written that "there has been a gradual shift from the notion of 'keeping Sunday special' to it becoming 'just another working day'".