Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin has joined the masses in calling for a reduction in the parking meter fees, contending that they are “way too high”.Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, Gaskin said he fully supports the calls from the Private Sector Commission (PSC) and other members of civil society, which have been clamouring for a reduction.
The current parking meter system in place stipulates that between the hours of 07:00hrs and 19:00hrs, drivers, once desirous of parking, are mandated to pay in designated areas of the City, fees ranging from $570 to $11,400, VAT inclusive.
The rate for parking is $50 for every 15 minutes, plus VAT. And, although VAT has been reduced from 16 to 14 per cent, the company is still charging 16 per cent.
According to the business minister, from all indications, “not enough thought” was given to the impact of the project on certain categories of road users.
“I have a staff of 20-30 persons who drive and have to park and I don’t think, given their salaries, they can afford to pay the fees charged by the company to park every day.”
And, similarly other entities and businesses are affected because not only staffers are feeling the squeeze but customers as well, he said.
On that note, Gaskin said a more careful analysis of the project is needed before it is fully implemented.
Following a meeting with Government and City Hall officials on Wednesday, it was disclosed that within 72 hours, the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CCC) will re-open consultations on the controversial parking meter project with a high possibility that the parking fees will be lowered as against the scrapping of the entire contract.
“We will meet within the next 72 hours to discuss the way forward,” City Mayor Patricia Chase-Green told reporters shortly after exiting a meeting with President David Granger at State House on Wednesday.
The mayor said based on the discussions, she has agreed to hold further consultations on the parking meter project.
These consultations will be held with the executing agency –- Smart City Solutions, the Private Sector Commission (PSC), the business community and citizens who may have concerns.