Enforcement Lacking for Hybrid Parking Spots

August 13, 2008

Who knew that environmental stewardship could also yield a better parking spot? It can; that is, unless someone decides to park their conventional car in your hybrid parking spot.

Recently, companies like Home Depot, Office Depot, and IKEA have created special parking spots for owners of hybrid vehicles. For example, CBC News reports “Ikea to introduce anti-idling program, hybrid preferential parking spots”. These spots seem to be especially popular in urban areas where parking is at a premium.

I had not seen a hybrid-designated parking spot until I visited the Westin Kierland Resort and Spa in Phoenix, Arizona. In addition to having a progressive environmental policy, the Kierland also has a few special parking spots reserved for hybrids.

Conventional cars parked in hybrid spots

Ironically, drivers of non-hybrid vehicles don’t seem to discriminate between regular spots and designated hybrid spots (as is evident from the picture above). In fact, abuse of hybrid spots seems to be among the top impediments facing this emerging trend. For example, a recent post on the Kicking Tires blog complains “Home Depot Hybrid Parking Abused”.

An early remedy reported by the Denver Post in “Companies give preferential parking to hybrid vehicles” was enacted in Aspen, Colorado where special permits now enable hybrids to park for extended periods in 2-hour spots. However, true enforcement of green parking cannot really be imposed until ordinances are enacted to fine drivers who wrongfully park their gas guzzlers in hybrid spots. Following in the footsteps of handicapped parking spots, I predict enforced hybrid parking spots are just over the horizon.

Posted by Matthew Traum on August 13, 2008 | Comments (3)

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July 31, 2009

In response to: Enforcement Lacking for Hybrid Parking Spots
Miguel commented:

You're ignorant if you don't believe "hybrid parking" is a marketing tool. It plays to your obvious vanity. They know you were willing to pay more for your eco-status symbol and thus feel you may be more willing to part with your money at their establishment.

May 26, 2009

In response to: Enforcement Lacking for Hybrid Parking Spots
hybrid driver commented:

to jaime mattox...sorry you couldn't find a parking spot but please, don't knock those who are looking out for everyone's future. Hybrid parking is not a "marketing tool". It's more of an awareness for those ignorant people like yourself who refuse to realize that our environment is in critical condition. It promotes those who do take that extra step in "going green". Us "hybrid drivers" minimize the amount of toxins in our environment so who cares if we have a "preferred spot". You are making the mistake of ruining our planet, then accept that you will have to use your two legs, park further and perhaps save of the fuel while "driving around in the parking lot"!
Your donated money to the hospital most likely supported this. Will you start criticizing the definitions of handicap parking next?
Get over it..park further and walk.. it might do you good to blow off that steam you're complaining about

April 30, 2009

In response to: Enforcement Lacking for Hybrid Parking Spots
Jaime Mattox commented:

I went to the children's hospital yesterday in pouring rain to see a 3 year old in the intensive care unit. The hospital was packed without much parking and the rain was pouring. After several loops around, I saw 15 (I counted) parking spots designated for hybrid cars by the front door. I was livid!! Many of the spots were empty, and I took one, swaring under my breath the entire time. I don't have a hybrid, and won't be spending money on a newer vehicle right now. I understand environmental awareness, but it offended me that I was discriminated against because I don't have that car. Parking priveledges should go to handicapped and expectant mothers, not be used as a marketing tool. My rational thinks that a hospital should focus on quality of care, not waste money, energy and resources to create signs to provide this special parking, to try and show how green you are. It offends me, and certainly does not entice me to buy a hybrid. I hope the money I donated to the hospital didn't pay for this. What a joke!

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