A total of 78 per cent of the 2,100 people who voted said the charge should not be rolled out, while 22 per cent were in favour of the idea.
The poll was run after earlier this week Environment Minister John Young called for the introduction of charges for motorists driving through St Helier during peak times in a bid to reduce traffic congestion and cut vehicle emissions. He said at the time that he did not know what the cost of any future levy might be nor where the boundaries of the congestion charge zone would be.
St Helier No 1 Deputy Russell Labey has now dismissed the proposal.
He said: ‘This is the last thing the high street or the Central Market needs right now. However, improving the air quality for those who live, trade or shop in the town is a laudable outcome to aim for and a congestion charge might possibly be considered by some as an appropriate tool but others exist too, such as a cheaper bus service or the introduction of electric town trams.’
Meanwhile, another St Helier No 1 Deputy, Scott Wickenden, also criticised the idea.
He said: ‘I am not a supporter of the idea of a congestion charge to reduce vehicle emissions, as there are many more changes we can make to help change people’s habits before we start looking at their wallets.
‘For example, we could increase the frequency of the buses and set up park-and-ride systems. The people of Jersey are sick and tired of just being seen as a cash cow.’
Earlier this week, St Helier Constable Simon Crowcroft warned that the proposal – which would have to be approved by the States – could put people off visiting the town centre.
Facebook comments
Christine Gavey: ‘Really? Put all essential public services in St Helier. Then introduce a congestion charge. Then introduce GST on practically all online purchases and ask locals to shop in town when they already struggle to park.’
Damian Moffat: ‘Let’s also tax bikes on the roads, pushchairs, wheelchairs, skateboards, mobility scooters and pedestrians on the pavements, babies in nurseries, going for a swim in the sea, the list will go on. Let’s tax everything except the RICH.’
Gary Baldie: ‘There should be some incentive for office people to take the bus to work. Endless cars with just a driver in them when they don’t need to.’
Hannah Jacques: ‘Instead of CHARGING people, you should REWARD people for being environmentally friendly.’
Claire Lawson: ‘I say bring back the trains? This would reduce traffic and parking. Imagine only having a 15-minute commute from St Brelade to town’
Joanne Larkin: ‘I do agree that something needs to be done to encourage people to catch the bus/cycle/walk etc but a congestion charge is just ridiculous. People will still pay the extra and drive in anyway as that’s their preference. An inviting alternative is the only way forward!’
