As the owner of one white Prius sporting a coveted, yellow sticker known as the California Clean Air Vehicle Decal, the news of the death of free metered parking in LA comes as a huge blow. Among my first thoughts were strategies to never leave my home again (internet grocery deliveries, netflix, freelance work...) and finally learning how to use public transportation in LA. While, probably neither of those are likely to occur, this news will surely have a large impact on our annual transit budget. It was truly a gift while it lasted.

From the LA DOT official website:

Free Metered Parking for Alternative Fuel Vehicles Ends 1 March 09

On February 10th, the LA City Council voted to end a free metered parking program for alternative fuel vehicles begun in 2002. The City has allowed vehicles that displayed a California Clean Air Vehicle Decal from the California DMV, as well as four hybrid vehicles: Honda Insight, Honda Civic Hybrid, Toyota Prius and Ford Escape Hybrid, to park free at City operated on and off-street parking meters.

Effective March 1, alternative fuel vehicles parked at an expired meter will be cited for Failure to Pay for a Parking Meter Space. The fine for this parking violation is $48. Beginning immediately Traffic Officers will provide ‘warning notices’ to these vehicles parked at City meters to remind vehicle operators of this change.

[photo credit: Paul Schreiber]