Parking Arrangements for Registered Carers

WQ.43/2020

WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR INFRASTRUCTURE BY DEPUTY J.H. PERCHARD OF ST. SAVIOUR

ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON TUESDAY 4th FEBRUARY 2020

Question

Further to his response to Oral Question 7/2020 regarding the parking arrangements for registered carers when working and visiting clients, in which he stated that (having spoken with the Connétable of St. Helier ) he would speak to the other Connétable s about the matter "as and when", will the Minister –

1. state whether he has since met any of the Connétable s and, if so, which ones;
2. if he has not since met any Connétable s, commit to having these conversations by the end of March 2020 at the latest;
3. state what steps he will take to reach the "equitable solution" for parking provision for registered carers when visiting clients which he indicated could be found; and
4. commit to presenting this solution to the Assembly before the summer recess?

Answer

In the first instance, for the avoidance of doubt, I would like to clear any misapprehensions as to the extents of the duties of the Minister for Infrastructure. Under La Loi Sur La Vorie 1914, I am responsible, on behalf of the States of Jersey, for the administration of the Island's main roads, such as Victoria Avenue, Beaumont Hill, Route du Fort etc.

I explained this in my responses to Oral Questions OQ.5/2020 and OQ.7/2020 on the States sitting of 21st January. Residential roads have a very different function and character to the main roads that fall to my responsibility.

To be clear, the parking on the smaller roads and resident parking zones where housing is typically situated is the responsibility of the parishes and enforcement on them is the responsibility of the parish honorary police and parish wardens.

While I have offered in good faith to communicate with the Constable for St Helier, and Comité des Connétable s about the carers situation, the office of Minister for Infrastructure does not have a particular remit for this topic. Under States Standing Order 9(1) it is not for the Minister to answer on this type of matter, rather under Order 9(5) this question should have properly been addressed to the Chair of the Comité des Connétable s to discuss with the Connétable s who have the power to act.

However, I will respond to your questions:

1. No, for efficiency to ensure all Parishes are included, I have asked that this be put on a future agenda of the Comité des Connétable s.
2. The administration of the agenda for Comité meetings is with the Connétable s, but I would endeavour to make myself available at their earliest convenience.

3. As I stated in answer to the Oral Questions last week "I am more than happy to speak to the Constables, the Comité des Connétable s, and come to some equitable agreement with this. I cannot predict what the outcome will be but I will do my best to get the best deal for the carers in Jersey".  
4. No, as I have set out previously, while I am happy to raise the issue, this is a matter for the Connétable s.