Noise Rears Its Ugly Head and Monaco Acts

Peace should reign in Monaco but the existence of so many building sites is a challenge to the tranquil life we seek. That is the conclusion of the Conseil National. And Stéphane Valeri, President of the Conseil National has got Minister of State, Serge Tell’s attention. The trigger has been some notable departures of people living in Monaco, tired of the noise and the traffic jams. So it raises the question – will more leave and will people who otherwise would have chosen Monaco for a nest go elsewhere? Neither Stéphane Valeri, nor Serge Tell wish to wait to find out. A call to action by both leaders!

There are promises of an acceleration of an array of measures to get to the root of the problem. The main problem is the multiplicity of building sites and notably the delinquent ones. There is a growing realization that oversight in the building sector under the existing rules is too lenient and some builders are not completing promised works on time. So the noise drags on, multiplied by new projects starting concurrently. Expect Serge Tell to issue a new series of more modern and stricter regulations approved by the Sovereign holding developers more accountable. Basically, builders and developers must perform or be excluded from the list of approved Government suppliers. Professional standards will be upgraded and policed. And expect a tightening of inspections on legitimate operating hours. No more pushing the envelope earlier in the morning and late in the evening.

What else? Better bus service and incentives to buy electric bikes are on the cards. A 30% subsidy, up to a maximum of 400 euros, is planned to be granted for e-bikes. The President of the Conseil National is reported complimenting the Government for its extra hiring and effective deployment of ten new traffic facilitators this autumn following the kids going back to school – apparently there are fewer traffic nightmares now at rush hours at the famous Place Devote and Place d’Armes hot points. The proof of the pudding is in the eating. Stéphane Valeri is reported promising to be extra vigilant on monitoring the effectiveness of the promised new measures.

Ever since cars have replaced horses and building sites have multiplied in Monaco, the new refrain in the Principality is: “Peace, peace, my kingdom for some peace”.