Transportation Alternatives strongly opposes the five-minute grace period for parking meters and alternate-side parking spaces proposed by Council Member Simcha Felder. The bill will not only reduce turnover at parking meters and hurt local businesses, it will increase illegal parking and render it impossible for parking agents to do an already difficult job.

"I fail to see how the hands of a wristwatch -- no two of which seem to read the same time in this town -- are a fairer judge than a clearly expired parking meter," says Paul Steely White. "This is irresponsible pandering that will lead to more arguments at the curbside, and a profusion of illegal parking."

Despite Council Member complaints to the contrary, parking tickets actually declined citywide by 11.5 percent in 2008.

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