diff --git a/tests/python_tests/json_feature_properties_test.py b/tests/python_tests/json_feature_properties_test.py
index 2eb92a20a..0f27810c3 100644
--- a/tests/python_tests/json_feature_properties_test.py
+++ b/tests/python_tests/json_feature_properties_test.py
@@ -3,7 +3,10 @@
 from nose.tools import *
 import os,sys
 import mapnik
-import json
+try:
+    import json
+except ImportError:
+    import simplejson as json
 
 chars = [
  {