A PETITION calling for free parking in St Helier’s public car parks on Saturdays has nearly reached 1,000 signatures.
Former Senator Ben Shenton called on politicians to make the change to prevent St Helier “becoming a ghost town”.
Currently, parking in St Helier is free on Sundays but Mr Shenton believes that extending this to Saturdays would increase footfall and revive the town’s vibrancy.
Mr Shenton said: “The internet is killing retail and St Helier is becoming a ghost town. There is research suggesting that parking charges are a major factor in deterring shoppers and visitors to restaurants so let’s remove that barrier.”
The petition was launched after parking prices rose by 7% for a single unit in April, increasing the cost from 97p to £1.04, while a monthly parking permit rose from £78.33 to £83.98. Two-hour and four-hour paycards also increased by 7.22%.
The petition, which was launched earlier this year, currently has over 900 signatures. If it reaches 1,000 signatures, ministers will have to respond formally.
If it gains 5,000 signatures, the issue will be considered for debate in the States.
Islanders have until 24 October to sign the petition, which can be accessed at petitions.gov.je/petitions/200978.
