MOTORISTS parking in 1,450 spaces in Town will have to pay 15p per hour by next summer – if the States approves. The Environment board has confirmed its preferred system of scratch cards issued for three, four and five hours.

In addition to the Odeon, Salerie and North Beach car parks, when proposals come back to the House they will recommend on-street paid parking at the Mignot Plateau, St Julian’s Avenue, La Vallette, South Esplanade, St George’s Esplanade and Castle Pier.

Deputy minister Ivan Rihoy said that after fully considering a number of options, the scratch card system was considered the most cost-effective.

And it will have to operate from 8am to 6pm Monday to Saturday inclusive to generate enough income to finance the Road Transport Strategy, as outlined in the States report in March.

‘This will be the best system for Guernsey,’ he said.

Deputy Rihoy expected some motorists to question why cards would not be issued for one hour. But he said administration costs did not make it economically viable for the rare occasions that people would need them.

‘There will still be plenty of short-stay spaces free of charge, but if a motorist can’t find one and has to park in a paid zone, they will have to buy at least three hours of time even if they are there for less.’

It is proposed that scratch cards will be available from outlets such as garages, the Visitor Information Centre and several Town shops.

Deputy Rihoy said measures would be taken to make it easier for Town residents once paid parking came in.

Space in residential streets is expected to come under pressure from commuters dodging charges.

It is proposed that parking in all such areas in the heart of St Peter Port is reduced to two hours and permits made available allowing all residents to overstay by 12 hours.

‘This will mean they will have to move their car only once a day and we will, thereby, avoid unnecessary traffic movements within St Peter Port,’ he said.

* As outlined in the strategy, there will be a £75 administrative charge for a three-year permit.