M&CC approves amended Bylaws for Parking Meters

The amended parking meter bylaws were Wednesday afternoon approved by a majority vote when the Georgetown Mayor and City Council held a special meeting to discuss the amendments.

Put to a vote with several Councillors absent, the amended bylaws received favourable votes totalling 13.

Councillors Khame Sharma and Bishram Kuppen voted against the amended bylaws saying it gives effect to a contract that was illegal and unfair to citizens.

The approved bylaws will now be posted at several public buildings over the next 14 days, allowing for citizens to review them and make recommendations after which it will be sent to the Minister for approval.

The approval of the new bylaws also signals the return of paid parking in Georgetown by Smart City Solutions.

Mayor Patricia Chase-Green was keen to only allow the four Councillors participating in the discussion two minutes each to speak, pointing out that the discussions should be in the bylaws only and without rebuttals.

Within 20 minutes the discussions concluded and the vote was taken.

Among other things, the amendments allow will now see persons paying $150 per hour and $800 for eight hours of parking in the city.

The controversial contract has been a subject of public debate, litigation, and intervention by the State and had to be suspended shortly after it came into effect.

Since the contract was suspended by the Government, the M&CC engaged residents and took steps to review and amend the bylaws governing the contract.