Several business owners within the city on Tuesday afternoon met with officials from the Georgetown Municipality and Smart City Solutions (SCS) to discuss the controversial parking meter project as many bemoaned the rates and the manner in which the project was implemented.

The meeting which lasted for close to two hours saw business owners calling on the council and SCS to improve the conditions under which the project has been implemented. In addition, business owners noted that the rates were their greatest concern. One Regent Street business owner noted that the clamping of car wheels was one of several issues which the businesses were concerned about, noting that the move would deter shoppers from venturing into the city to shop.

Another business operator noted that the project should have been implemented via a less stringent process. SCS Director of Business, Amir Oren told the business persons that the entity is examining several ways in which to amend the project. While noting that the project “is not here to make it difficult for business”, he said that the company can propose a 50% reduction on the new rates to be announced shortly for business owners who wish to park all day while the normal rate will apply for vehicles parked for short periods.

He said that another avenue which can be worked out is one in which businesses can apply for customer parking at a special rate. Amir said that over the past several weeks, staff of SCS have been facing “hostility” from the public as regards the project and according to him, the employees have been trained in how to undertake their jobs. He said that contrary to reports on social media, staffs do not receive incentives for the number of vehicles they clamp.

Mayor Patricia Chase- Green expressed appreciation to the business owners, who number approximately a dozen, for their participation in the meeting. On Monday Chase-Green announced that by Friday, City Hall is likely to announce officially that the rates for use of the parking meters have been slashed by half. This means that citizens will now pay $100 plus VAT per hour. As it stands before the official announcement, Chase-Green clarified that motorists are still required to pay for the spaces, but will not be booted if they overstay their time.

The Movement Against Parking Meters (MAPM), has been consistent in its call for a revocation of the contract between the M&CC and Smart City Solutions, the company contracted to manage and operate the meters. MAPM is protesting the lack of transparency with regard to the contract, the fact that there was no bidding process and the exorbitant fees attached to parking. The MAPM plans to continue its protest action against the project with another silent protest planned for Thursday, February 16, outside City Hall.