By Jeff Hathaway

The Parish Hall and Deputies have received numerous complaints from Quennevais Precinct shoppers over instances of parking penalties imposed by the precinct managing agents Buckley & Co. Although shoppers agree that some inconsiderate parking is taking up valuable parking spaces and the loading bays are invariably used for parking, some are not happy with the methods that are being employed to enforce parking restrictions, described as one angry complainant as ’over-zealous’.
La Baguette has learned that the managing agents have employed PPS Limited to enforce the restrictions, and there have also been several challenges as to their legal right to issue parking penalties. Questions have also been raised with regard their remuneration for providing the service to the managing agents which it is alleged to be on a piece-work basis.
Centenier George May explained: ‘The car park is essentially private and the owners have a right to impose whatever restrictions on its use as they feel fit, provided it is lawful - which in this instance it appears to be. Although we would be concerned with any misuse of authority that could lead to confrontation, since the car-park is privately owned parking penalties and appeals are not a matter for either the The Parish, nor the States or Honorary Police”.
Connétable Mike Jackson told La Baguette that he had contacted the managing agents to clarify the situation and been advised that the motive behind their move had been to reduce the abuse of the car park that had been taking place in recent months. “Proper car park management has been introduced in the best interests of both the traders and shoppers alike” he was told.
Connétable Jackson added: “I can fully understand their viewpoint, but would hope that the managing agents can persuade their contractor to be a little more tolerant and perhaps make suitable enquiries about the ownership of an ‘offending’ vehicle before resorting to issuing tickets. It is seen by many as a provactive action, and I would not like to see an escalation in the ill-feeling that has been generated.”