Petition calls for free parking in St Helier on Saturdays

Tuesday 30 April 2024

An online petition calling for free parking in all Government-operated car parks on Saturdays has garnered over 500 signatures in less than a week.

Launched by former politician Ben Shenton, the petition claims that "parking charges are a major factor in deterring shoppers and visitors to restaurants".

Mr Shenton said: "Shop local, help St Helier get its mojo back by offering free parking on Saturdays in all States-operated car parks."

"The internet is killing retail and St Helier is becoming a ghost town," he added.

"There is research suggesting that parking charges are a major factor in deterring shoppers and visitors to restaurants so let’s remove that barrier."

It comes as parking prices are set to rise by 7% for a single unit tomorrow – increasing the unit cost from 97p to £1.04, and the monthly cost from £78.33 to £83.98.

The price of two-hour and four-hour paycards will also increase by 7.22%.

Meanwhile, Infrastructure Minister Andy Jehan has confirmed that charges will apply on every day of the week, including Sundays, at the new Charles Street location between 08:00 and 22:00, as part of a trial to support town-based businesses.

However, the new Charles Street car park is currently closed due to ongoing building works near the Arts Centre.

A date for its re-opening has not been confirmed.

GET INVOLVED...

You can sign the petition HERE.

At 1,000 signatures, Ministers will be required to respond to the petition and at 5,000, the matter will be considered for debate by the States Assembly.