'Smart' parking meters in Santa Monica to wipe out extra time
The days of finding a few extra minutes on the parking meter are over starting Monday in Santa Monica.
The city is debuting more than 6,000 new high-tech meters that use ground sensors to wipe out any extra time left over after a car moves from the spot or the posted time limit expires.
The smart meters will also alert drivers by text message when their meter is close to running out.
The new sensors also mean drivers will no longer be able to run back and feed the meter to keep their cars parked over the allotted initial time limit.
The city says the new meters should improve parking availability.
The new solar-powered meters, which allow drivers to pay by credit card, phone or coins, are also expected to raise as much as $1.7 million in revenue for the city.
More meters are expected to be installed citywide by next year.
ALSO:
L.A. mom expected backlash from Time breastfeeding cover
Labor groups cite 'war on women' at L.A. City Hall in job cuts
Ex-detective accused of rape to blame antidepressant for attack
EDITOR'S PICKS:
