Free Parking for Hybrid Cars

The transition to fuel-efficient vehicles has been slow, in part because the economics does not work out. Hybrid cars cost about $3000 more than similar models. If someone drives 12,000 miles a year, this could result in a savings of, maybe, a tank of gas a month--or $300. A Hybrid owner would have to drive for ten years before recovering the cost of the gas-saving technology!

Local governments, however, can incentivize hybrid ownership--and therefore lower demand for gasoline. That is exactly what Los Angeles' Mayor James Hahn is proposing:

Los Angeles Mayor James K. Hahn wants to free hybrid vehicle drivers from fear of the city's parking enforcement officers by allowing hybrids to park at meters at no cost.

"I think we want to do whatever we can to improve air quality in Los Angeles," said the mayor, adding that he hopes the plan encourages motorists to turn to hybrids.

"I think it will be fun. People will realize they won't have to fish around for those quarters," he said.

Free parking is more than fun...and if you've ever gotten a $35 meter-expired ticket, it is about more than quarters, too...

OF NOTE: LAist notes how visionary Hahn is.