The UK papers have today been running a story based on a newsworthy quote from the chief minister of Gibraltar Fabian Picardo.
He is reported to have said Spain were 'acting like North Korea' and 'sabre
rattling'. This was in response to Spain's Foreign Minister José García Margallo who the day earlier said he was considering implementing a €50 fee for every vehicle entering or leaving The Rock through the Spanish border.
Much of the row stems from border checks by Spanish police causing long tail backs, meaning people remain stuck in their cars for hours in extreme heat.
A lot of the reactions I have seen to this on comments sections and social media have been far from constructive.
So seeing as I was there and experienced the huge traffic jams at the border first hand I decided I should propose a solution. I am not saying this is the solution, it's just an idea.
A considered entry fee system to benefit Gibraltar and Spain
To begin with, I think a fee for vehicles to cross the border is a good idea. I've seen people arguing that this is against some EU right on freedom of movement. But without even checking I'm sure a right of movement does not automatically give you the right of movement by car!
Crossing the border would remain free for pedestrians and cyclists.
Also disabled persons would be allowed free entry and there would be concessions for the elderly. Reductions could also exist by purchasing monthly or yearly passes, this would be useful for businesses that need to make deliveries.
A huge car-park could be built in La Linea near the border, there are many suitable sites.
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| Proposed sites for border-side car-park |
This would create additional parking attendant jobs in the adjacent town and provide a new revenue stream for the local council.
Gibraltar could invest in improving its own public transport system and a ticketing scheme could work in conjunction with the border-side car park (park and ride). This would promote cross country collaboration.
The money Gibraltar would lose from the sale of cheap tobacco, alcohol and fuel could be made back by an increase in tourism.
My Grandad told me that Gibraltar was the worst place he had ever visited. He said he would never go back, after stopping there briefly on a cruise holiday.
My Grandad told me that Gibraltar was the worst place he had ever visited. He said he would never go back, after stopping there briefly on a cruise holiday.
If they cleaned up their fly infested, rubbish strewn beaches and helped La Linea to do the same the whole area might begin to get a better reputation.
Gibraltar is roughly 3 miles long with the main town located less than a mile from the border. Getting around without a motorised vehicle is easy.
Gibraltar is roughly 3 miles long with the main town located less than a mile from the border. Getting around without a motorised vehicle is easy.
It seems to me to be a better option than what we are currently seeing:
