PPP will oppose return of Parking Meters

Two days after the City Council began a discussion on the amended by-laws for metered parking in the city, Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo says his party will oppose any return of the parking meter contract.

The Opposition Leader at a press conference today said the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) will not support the metered parking system even though the contract between the council and the company, Smart City Solutions (SCS) was renegotiated.

He questioned the city’s push to have the company which is already shrouded in controversy remain a partner in the process.

“I think the city can make more money by doing simple things even if it wants to introduce paid parking, without going through this contract again but the reason why they’re sticking with this contract is not just what will flow to the city because it will be minimal sums. It is what will flow to individuals,” the Opposition Leader remarked.

On Monday, councillors of the city deferred consideration of the amended by-laws governing the parking meter project to April 4.

Jagdeo believes that there are several other ways in which the city administration can control traffic in the city.

“I’ve already argued…the city council all they need is maybe 1,000 gallons of paint and go around and mark every area in the city and once per month, sell a sticker for $1,000 or $2,000 and people pay you and they park anywhere in the city once they have the sticker on the vehicle itself,” he told reporters.

The initial by-laws were signed by Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan in early 2017 and suspended shortly after, as a result of widespread protests.

According to the new by-laws which will govern the renegotiated contract, payment for parking was reduced to $150 per hour and $800 for eight hours.

When the contract was first implemented, parking was pegged at $570 per hour. The amendments also include a change from payment for parking spots around the city to just payment for time.