Arrangements for members to park without charge had been criticised

States members rejected plans on Wednesday to end free parking behind the tourism building.

However, members' reserved spaces will be moved further away from States buildings to the Snow Hill and Sand Street car parks.

Some see free parking for politicians as a perk of the job, since States members' pay ceased to be means-tested.

'Important job'

There had been growing support for the plans to scrap free parking.

But Senator Mike Vibert said he believed it should stay.

He said: "We should be big enough to say to people 'those you asked to represent you are doing an important job on your behalf and to do that job they need dedicated parking'."

But others felt it was unfair. Senator Ted Vibert said it was a privilege that should cease.

He said: "They do not regard us as privileged people. They regard us as being their servants because they elected us to do a job in this House."