For hybrid owners in the Los Angeles area, one of the perks of driving your 50 mpg car around town is about to go away. At the end of February, free parking for hybrids will end.
About one year ago, the Los Angeles City Council approved an ordinance that allowed hybrid car owners to park at city meters for free. Actually, the ordinance was extended to those cars that had a Clean Air Vehicle decal on them. However, a week later, the council decided that wasn’t such a good idea given the city’s economic problems lately.
Starting on March 1, drivers of the Toyota Prius and other hybrid cars will have to drop coins in the meters just like everybody else. The LA Department of Transportation estimates this move could generate about $300,000 in revenue for the city. Between now and March 1, hybrid cars parked at meters will receive written notices about the change.
With the amount of money hybrid owners save in gas, though, putting a few nickels in a parking meter should be no big deal. Just keep this in mind if you’re visiting the Los Angeles area anytime after next month.