THE man responsible for preparing a transport strategy accepts he has an uphill struggle after a third of motorists said they would not reduce their car use – whatever the incentive.

The response came in the first Social Survey produced by the States Statistics Unit which also revealed that just three per cent of adults use Island buses.

The chief officer of Transport and Technical Services, John Richardson, said they realised that they faced a challenge but this problem was not unique to Jersey.

There were plans in the proposed transport strategy to introduce public transport services more suited to people’s lifestyles.

‘Commuters need choice and increased availability of services, as well as enough buses and more convenient collection and drop-off points,’ he said.

Sixty three per cent of adults answering the survey described the management of the Island’s roadworks as poor or very poor.

Mr Richardson said the survey had taken place before the recent problems in relation to roadworks in the Dicq area.

‘The public have made it clear they want to see improvements in the way roadworks are managed and we take note of their views and intend doing something about the situation,’ he said.

Plans were being drawn up to ensure improved co-ordination between all departments and utility companies involved in road works and to ensure the public are better informed.

In the survey, the public also called for more recycling sites around the Island – a service which Mr Richardson said was well in hand for this year.

Describing the survey as a useful way to monitor public opinion of services, he said they were delighted that 12 out of 17 had received very positive feedback.

‘We stuck our neck on the line to obtain these views and were pleased with many of the responses and will also respond to the criticism in the best way,’ he said.