The committee is considering a �25 charge for new vehicles

The traffic committee's integrated road transport strategy is proposing long-stay car parking charges to reduce traffic problems to improve the quality of life for road users and provide environmental benefits.

The charges could also be used to finance other measures, such as the provision of a free school bus service and other public transport improvements.

However, the chamber of commerce has said the committee's aim to reduce the level of car usage in the island could, if approved, give it a licence to bring in draconian measures against Guernsey motorists.

Integrated approach

"The chamber has always resisted plans for paid parking in town generally," said Simon Howitt from the chamber.

"We haven't got any objections to paid parking if it were in a new underground car park.

"But in terms of existing long-stay and on-road car parking we are very much of the opinion they should stay as they are."

The chamber said it was not against the use of buses. But it pointed out that the number of cars on roads would only decrease substantially if there was a huge increase in the number of islanders using the buses.

It believed there was little chance of this happening.

'Credible alternatives'

Traffic committee president, Deputy Pat Mellor, said: "The current road transport strategy is clearly not serving the island well.

"We have to recognise that this cannot be tackled in a piecemeal fashion. It requires an integrated approach, so that we can encourage people to consider alternatives by offering real choice.

"It is unrealistic to expect motorists to change their driving habits without providing real credible alternatives.

"We want to build on the improvements we have already made to the bus service by providing an even better network and even more frequent services, particularly at peak commuter times. This will make the bus an even more attractive option."

The traffic committee estimates that a combination of pay parking and a new �25 registration charge for vehicles imported into Guernsey could raise more than �500,000 a year.

Short-term parking would still remain free of charge.