Getting around Guernsey

Driving around Guernsey

Being independent is important for most of us and driving can be a crucial element here. Having MS is not an automatic exclusion from driving and licences are not usually revoked unless its on safety grounds. Legally you have to inform the vehicle and licencing dept and your insurance company about your MS. When your license comes up for renewal your GP may have to fill a form confirming you are fit to drive (you may have to fill this in every 3 years not 5, but this very much depends of your abilities at the point of assessment).

If there are concerns about your driving, you may be asked to under take a further assessment which is done through the Guernsey Drivability scheme with an Occupational Therapist who is also a driving instructor. This assessment covers both theory and practical elements of driving and then recommendations / suggestions will follow. These may include adaptations to your vehicle to keep you independent.

For more details about driving in Guernsey please go to the States of Guernsey website. 

Your GP will be aware of the requirements needed for maintaining a license.

Travel in Guernsey

There are a number of wheelchair accessible taxis available In Guernsey and these can be found in the yellow pages or on  https://healthconnections.gg/transport/disability-taxi/

Accessible buses and The Accessibility Card

The low floor Guernsey buses have a wheelchair ramp and a dedicated wheelchair space.

The Accessibility Cards are available at the Town Terminus Shop or by calling 01481 700456.

Read more on Health Connections website:  https://healthconnections.gg/buses/

 The Accessibility Card is available for those who may have difficulty in using public transport because of their age, disability, illness or any other factor. The Accessibility Card is a discreet ‘I may need help’ card that can be shown to drivers when boarding a bus. The buses are accessible and are able to lower to the ground for easy access, but the pick up and drop off points vary in accessibility and may not have dropped curbs etc. St Peter Port can be quite tricky to navigate due to cobbled and uneven streets.

Around Guernsey there are numerous car parking spaces that have been allocated to drivers or families who have health needs or disabilities. You would need to be blue badge holder to use these.

Guernsey doesn't have paid parking scheme but you do need a parking clock as parking areas are time restricted (available from most garages).

If you are visiting Guernsey for a holiday and require specific equipment,  please contact the MS nurse in the first instance who will be able to assist.

Access to shops, restaurants and hotels in Guernsey

A lists of accessible premises can be found on the AccessAble website and also on the Visit Guernsey website. A number of premises are not accessible directly but can have access provided if contacted ahead.

If you planning a hotel stay in Guernsey then is best to do some research before you come. Many hotels have been known to source extra equipment to meet your requirements during your stay.

Further useful information may be found on the Signpost.gg website

Access to toilets in Guernsey

Public accessible toilets require a Radar National Key System and this is available through the Guernsey Information Centre, Guernsey Airport and Health Connections office at Princess Elizabeth Hospital.  Visitors are encouraged to bring their own key if possible.

https://signpost.gg/article/155503/Im-a-visitor-to-Guernsey

https://www.visitguernsey.com/planning/useful-information/accessibility-in-guernsey/

Email to [email protected] or call 01481 223552