St. John's parking crackdown may alienate shoppers: retailers

A new move to turn over parking spots in downtown St. John's is being criticized as being both too strong and too late for some retailers.

Under a new policy that came into effect on Tuesday, city staff are able to ticket a car that stays on the same meter for more than two hours— regardless of whether the meter has been fed.

City council enacted the rule following a lobby by the Downtown Development Commission.

However, boutique owner Donald Moores said the city is being too aggressive, and that news of the strict two-hour limit has already scared away some shoppers.

The campaign, he said, should be about downtown workers and not occasional shoppers.

"I think the city really should be targeting those individuals that are really abusing and offending the whole downtown parking scheme, and basically taking up the meters for the full day," said Moores.

Dana Lambert, who managers Attica, a Water Street store that specializes in high-end furniture, said parking is one of the key reasons why Attica is preparing to move out of the downtown core.

Parking has been such a hassle for her customers that Attica offers a discount to shoppers who get hit with a $15 fine. The new restriction, she said, will make it harder for retailers to lure new business.

"It seems like the city is doing nothing to help businesses down here to stay and thrive," she said.

St. John's Mayor Andy Wells has said the new rules will prompt downtown workers to seek out spaces in garages and private lots, freeing up spaces for shoppers.