Time is running out on traditional parking meters lining curbs around Southern California. Some motorists couldn't be happier. Those pesky coin-gobblers have tormented motorists since the first one popped up on an Oklahoma street 70 years ago. Soon, drivers with no change in their pocket may be able to pay to park by credit or ATM card. Those whose meter is about to expire may be able to get a text message on their cellphone warning that they face a ticket if they don't move their car or feed the meter. That same cellphone can be used to electronically deposit more money in the meter without the motorist having to return to the street. West Hollywood has installed these fancy new meters on Sunset Boulevard for a six-month trial run. Pasadena has a pilot peogram to evaluate four types of high-tech parking meters, and Los Angeles is planning its own evaluation for January. Many motorists are embracing the new machines with credit cards in outstretched hands. Others, however, aren't, and are saying the new meters are too confusing. Shown above are two students using a credit card to make payment in West Hollywood.
Arthur, now that it's easy to pay, watch the price. Five dollars for every thirty minutes or portion thereof would not be out of the question in a business area, because Economics 10 says: If you circle downtown a few times without finding a vacant parking space, it's because the price of parking is too low. Oooh.
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