M&CC awaiting review of parking meter project
DPI, Guyana, Tuesday, October 22, 2019
The Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) has refuted the claim that they are currently ‘considering the return of the parking meter project’, as reported by the Guyana Standard on October 19, 2019.
In a letter to the media, M&CC’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Debra Lewis said the statement published by the entity is not the official position of the sitting council, moving forward.
Customer using the parking meter.
“At this juncture, the council is still awaiting a response from the Honourable Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan on the review ordered by Cabinet. The Council will abide by the decision made by Cabinet in relation to the parking meter project,” Lewis explained.
In 2016, the City Council signed the parking meter contract with Smart City Solutions (SCS) and began implementing the parking meters in January 2017. This saw drivers being required to pay $50 for every 15 minutes or $200 to park at a designated location for an hour.
This decision was met with resistance from several groups that formed themselves into an organisation against the implementation of the parking meters. This led to the government suspending the bylaw, essentially stopping the project.
In January 2018, the “Parking Meter Re-negotiation Committee” was tasked with re-looking the contract. The group proposed a reduction in the parking fee to $150 per hour. The council then approved the amendment the bylaw in April of the same year. This is currently with the Communities Minister pending review and approval.
The PRO added that His Worship the Mayor of Georgetown, Pandit Ubraj Narine is also exploring other options as a way to reduce traffic congestion in the city which includes the provision of parking lots within the city.