More than 60 people expressed their opposition to Environment and Public Services proposed increase from £150 to £600 per annum of the St Mark’s and Stopford Road trial.The meeting was addressed by Deputies Jennifer Bridge and Geoff Southern and St Helier Constable Simon Crowcroft, who are opposing the hike, and Environment president Deputy Maurice Dubras.Public Services say the increase is necessary to make the scheme self-financing and to make up an estimated annual £76,000 loss in car parking and scratch card revenue and £27,200 to cover policing.Deputy Dubras said he was pleased to have had the opportunity to speak and he agreed to allow residents representative Peter Garrett access to Public services figures.However, the wheels have been set in motion and he said it was unlikely that a postponement would be forthcoming.The argument took another twist when Mr Crowcroft told the meeting the parish were considering taking over the scheme rather than see residents parking fail at the first attempt.He will also be contacting Public Services to open discussions.
