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California
State Lawmakers Move to Free the Public from Costs of “Free” Parking
Long felt a natural American right, free street and other public or private sector parking is being increasingly recognized as a subsidized market commodity that encourages driving instead of using transit or biking and walking. California legislators may abate this problem by limiting the commodity supply.
''Free parking has significant social economic and environmental cost. It increases congestion and greenhouse gas emissions,'' said Democratic Senator Alan Lowenthal, whose bill would make it worthwhile for municipalities to reduce free parking, also by setting a lower minimum for businesses. Though their parking may seem free for customers, observed Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) analyst Justin Horner, the businesses charge them with the lots' maintenance, insurance and lighting through higher goods or service prices, just like street parking is paid for by the entire community through higher taxes.
Opposed by Republicans, but backed by the NRDC and the Sierra Club, reports Los Angeles Times writer Patrick McGreevy, the bill offers these municipalities more state funds for parking garages and transit programs, along with bonus points in competition for state grants. ''The problem with free parking,'' commented Senator Lowenthal, ''is it’s not free.'' 1/29/2010
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