Parking charges will be reinstated in Jersey next month.

They have been waived since the end of March when the island went into lockdown to stop the spread of coronavirus, allowing motorists to park for free and without time limits.

The government says the usual fees will be reintroduced on Wednesday 1st July at its car parks and in on-street spaces.

Patriotic Street car park will return to normal use, and stop being exclusively for health workers.

More than 800 people have signed a petition calling for Patriotic Street to remain free for health staff.  It says: 

"Having free and available parking in Patriotic Street Car park has significantly reduced the stress and anxiety of all of those working in health. It facilitates working varying shift patterns and reduces the financial burden of significant charges. Also aids safety of those working late shifts."

Announcing the return of parking charges, Infrastructure Minister Deputy Kevin Lewis said:

“The parking rules were suspended to help people during quarantine, so they did not have to leave their home to move their car. It also enabled Government staff to be redeployed during the pandemic.

“We are giving plenty of notice that parking charges and time restrictions are to return to enable us to re-mobilise our parking control teams, and to give Islanders plenty of time to consider how they are going to manage their parking, since there will still be a requirement to safely distance from others.

“Parking charges enable us to pay for improved infrastructure, and time restrictions on parking help us to support St Helier’s retail and hospitality sectors, since their reintroduction will increase the availability of spaces for shoppers and restaurant users. But while parking charges are important, we have an opportunity to develop the debate on how we all travel around Jersey, and to refocus the Sustainable Transport Policy.

“Since the lockdown began, cycling and walking have significantly increased, and road closures have not only made it easier for pedestrians to keep a safe distance from others, but also improved town’s environment. We have the opportunity to take those positive experiences and use them to get Islanders to consider their travel behaviours.”