Insight on L.A. Parking Incentive

Yesterday I posted about the Los Angeles City Council repealing an ordinance giving hybrid drivers the right to park for free through 2011 just days after voting on it. Why? That kind of move is so frustrating. Here’s a little insight on the matter from the Daily News:

In this new version, only those vehicles with the stickers – which are no longer available – can park for free.And that’s what changed this from a marginally good idea to one that has no social benefit other than to reward a small subset of drivers.

Moreover, it’s in direct conflict with the original purpose of the free meters ordinance.

It can’t possibly encourage people to buy hybrids, since it only applies to cars that sport stickers that are no longer available. It’s a perk for a few people who already benefit by saving money in gas bills, restrictionless car-pool driving and bragging rights.

The outcry brought the issue back to the council this week for reconsideration, but the council members backed away from taking action and are simply “studying” the issue.

I was under the impression that it was pulled back because some people didn’t want any parking benefits, not that others wanted more.

Still, it doesn’t change my opinion very much, if at all. If the city was using free parking as an incentive, they should honor that for a reasonable amount of time.

I wonder what effect this will have on the policies in other cities? Is free parking an incentive to buy hybrids in other areas?  And should we stop providing incentives because a small portion of the vehicles on the road have gone hybrid? Where’s the tipping point?

I disagree with the Daily News in that I don’t believe a study is useless. They may find the benefits for hybrid drivers are still justified by the impact on air quality, etc.

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