Time is running out on traditional parking meters lining curbs around Southern California. And many motorists couldn't be happier.
Those pesky coin-gobblers that have tormented motorists since the first one popped up on an Oklahoma street 70 years ago are getting a makeover.
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.
In a trial run in West Hollywood, the fanciest of the new meters have been installed in front of hip restaurants and boutiques along a stretch of the Sunset Strip.
The test is scheduled to last six months. But halfway through, city transportation planners were already so encouraged by the solar-powered computerized devices that they were considering asking the City Council this fall to begin permanently installing them around town.
In Pasadena, transportation managers have completed their own pilot program, in which motorists evaluated four types of high-tech parking meters. Officials are now determining which system to begin using citywide.
Los Angeles officials are planning their own evaluation of the meters in January. It will be a large-scale test, with about 200 multi-space "pay stations" from various vendors.
Many motorists are embracing the new machines with credit cards in outstretched hands. Others, however, aren't -- saying that they're too confusing.
"I like them. They're very easy to use, and it's nice to be able to use a credit card," said Axana Leonova of Valencia as she parked in the 8600 block of Sunset Boulevard to shop in West Hollywood's Sunset Plaza area.
Leonova pressed the pay station's keypad and expertly followed the card-swipe instructions on the small liquid crystal display screen. A printed receipt emerged a few seconds later.
The receipt told Leonova which spot her car was parked in, how much she had paid and the exact time when the meter would expire. It also had information about adding time and a phone number to call to pay for parking.
"I've seen these in Europe. I'm surprised it's taken so long for them to get here," said the Russian-born Leonova.
Leading the Way
