With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Confusion at Park & Pay Machines Explained
()
Joy and happiness surround the new park and pay stations in this photo of a citizen with a park and pay ambassador | Photo provided by the City of LA
()
The Department of Transportation caught wind of yesterday's confusion at the Park and Pay Machines in Silver Lake and decided to take a stab at explaining what happened. "What occurred in this case is that after inserting their quarter, the customer pressed 'OK' twice when all they needed to do was walk away," explained Daniel Mitchell, a Senior Transportation Engineer who is charged with leading the park and pay station program. "After pressing OK, the pay station allows you to select how much you would like to pay with your credit card, and the default is $0.50."
Support for LAist comes from
Part of the confusion may come because when paying by coin, there is no confirmation when you're done inserting coins. The machine does not know if you are walking away or fumbling around in your pocket for more coins, but after awhile it will time out. When using a credit card, there is a final screen after the credit transaction has completed processing.
As for enforcement, things will change a little at park and pay machines. No longer will parking enforcement officers be able to base tickets on expired meters. Now, marking tires and new license plate recognition technologies will aid officers in citing vehicles. Remember, just because you can't see a parking meter countdown to zero doesn't mean you can keep paying to park there all day -- time limits will still be enforced.
As for higher rates at meters, this week City Council directed the City Attorneys Office to write an ordinance increasing fees citywide. How much will the new minimum per hour be is not known as city council will have to vote on it. Expect to see that ordinance passed within the next month or two. One LAist reader, torrmoz, said that he was told the fee will be raised to one-dollar per hour. But, if that happens, don't let that confuse you into thinking you have to pay a buck everytime you park -- you can still pay a quarter for 15 minutes and so on.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol. -
Kevin Lee's Tokyo Noir has become one of the top spots for craft-inspired cocktails. -
A tort claim obtained by LAist via a public records request alleges the Anaheim procurement department lacks basic contracting procedures and oversight. -
Flauta, taquito, tacos dorados? Whatever they’re called, they’re golden, crispy and delicious. -
If California redistricts, the conservative beach town that banned LGBTQ Pride flags on city property would get a gay, progressive Democrat in Congress. -
Most survivors of January's fires face a massive gap in the money they need to rebuild, and funding to help is moving too slowly or nonexistent.
Best of LAist