L.A., You Might Soon Be Able To Park At Broken Meters Again

Photo by Hungry Dog Creative via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr

From the LAist - July 3, 2013

Los Angelenos may soon never be ticketed again for parking at a broken meter, as the fate of California drivers lies in the hands of Governor Jerry Brown.

The bill, penned by Assemblyman Mike Gatto, D-Los Angeles, would prohibit California cities from ticketing motorists who park at broken meters. It would also allow motorists to park at a broken meter for the maximum time period allotted at a functioning meter.

Today, the state Senate approved the bill, which will soon find its way to Brown's desk.

Broken meters have been a large source of contention in Los Angeles. Last December L.A. City Council voted to uphold the two-year policy allowing ticketing at broken meters, much to Gatto's dismay.

Gatto has said in support of California residents, "Taxpayers already pay for street maintenance, meter installation and meter upkeep. Local governments should take responsibility and keep parking meters in good working order, not squeeze a double-penalty out of cash-strapped citizens." Damn straight, Gatto. Damn straight.

Newly appointed City Councilman Mike Bonin also has drivers' backs, having introduced a motion this week to rescind City Council's existing broken meter ticketing policy.

You can read this article and more at the LAist HERE

Mike Gatto is the Chairman of the Appropriations Committee in the California State Assembly.  He represents Burbank, Glendale, La Cañada Flintridge, La Crescenta, Montrose, and the Los Angeles neighborhoods of Atwater Village, East Hollywood, Franklin Hills, Hollywood Hills, Los Feliz, and Silver Lake.  www.asm.ca.gov/gatto