GROWTH, HOUSING AND ENVIRONMENT
SUSPENSION OF PARKING CHARGES IN PUBLIC CAR PARKS AND ON STREET
LOCATIONS IN ST HELIER DURING CORONAVIRUS LOCKDOWN PERIOD
Purpose of the Report
To approve the suspension of parking charges in public car parks and for on street locations within St Helier during the period of lockdown announced by the Government of Jersey in response to the Coronavirus situation.
To extend the non-chargeable period in the seasonally chargeable car parks to coincide with this initiative.
Background
On 29 March 2020, the Government of Jersey announced a lockdown situation for all non-essential workers and population of Jersey with effect from 8am on Monday 30 March 2020 in an effort to contain the spread of the Coronavirus.
This has resulted in large numbers of people having to either self-isolate or comply with social distancing and not go out of their homes for anything other than essential purposes. In order to encourage them to use the car parks rather than leave large numbers of vehicle parked on street the suspension of parking charges will alleviate the need to either put paycards or use the parking app throughout the lockdown period. The measure will also assist those who are not receiving their normal level of pay and thus reduce one area of worry and concern.
The Parish of St Helier are in agreement with and support this strategy.
Discussion
The average weekly income from public car parks and also on street parking in St Helier during 2019 was £114,000. The total loss of income will be dependent on the time the Island population are required to remain in the lockdown position.
Conclusion
Suspending parking charges during the period of enforced lockdown will enable people who do not have private parking to leave their vehicles in public car parks thus reducing the number of vehicles left on street in St Helier and will remove any financial worries they may have in respect of having to pay for parking.
The extension of the free parking period in the seasonally chargeable car parks will also assist people who live near these at this time.
Recommendations
The Minister is recommended to approve the suspension of parking charges in public car parks and on street locations within St Helier during the enforced lockdown announced by the Government of Jersey in response to the Coronavirus situation.
The Minister is also recommended to extend the free period in the seasonally chargeable car parks to coincide with this initiative.
Reason(s) for Decisions
To suspend parking charges in public car parks and on street locations in St Helier during the enforced lockdown period announced by the Government of Jersey in response to the current Coronavirus situation.
To extend the free parking period on the seasonally chargeable car parks to coincide with this initiative.
Resource Implications
Growth, Housing and Environment estimated at £114,000 per week.
Action Required
Officers to inform the media and the public of the suspension of parking charges in public car parks and on street locations in St Helier during the enforced lockdown announced by the Government of Jersey in response to the current Coronavirus situation.
Written by: Assistant Manager – Parking Control
Approved by: Head of Transport