I am not really a huge fan of the Yosemite plate by itself (with the Smaug reference it’s perfect); the design just isn’t that aesthetically pleasing. I have been considering getting the one with palm trees and sunset, which I take to be a kitschy homage to the 80′s one, but I am not sure if I actually like it or would just enjoy having it ironically (or just to be different).

I agree with you in principle, but I think that you’re approach is wrong. IF there is such a thing as public parking, it should be used to the public’s benefit, which means charging market rates. Making it more time-consuming or difficult to park,  however, does the public no good – in fact I’d say it does the public harm. Frustration is not a resource that can be captured.

Something like an EZ-pass for parking could make the system more efficient, and allow rates to fluctuate based on location and time. And that might also reduce congestion and pollution as well.

I also think you’re miscategorizing all drivers in NYC as “luxury” – driving is a luxury for most, but it is a necessity for some. Something like an EZ-pass for parking could adjust rates based on the type of usage, i.e. different rates for for commercial, personal, handicapped, senior, etc. Heck, a well designed system could even be designed to charge progressive rates depending on the type of car that was parked; a Civic could be charged $2/hour and a Mercedes could be charged $20.

I am against making it more convenient or cheaper to park your vehicle in public space. It is far too cheap to park in the city and users of private automobiles do not pay the cost for the burden their vehicle places on the public infrastructure. I don’t like subsidizing what is in effect someone else’s luxury expense.

You want to drive? Pay your fair share. Which is a lot more than a few quarters for curbside parking. And be prepared to pay in time and effort too.

I don’t know why you’re getting bent over an idea that would remove the need for interacting with those frustrating Muni-Meters, and that wouldn’t require driving around with a bunch of quarters in the ashtray. Seems like a good idea to me.

As to the idea that they need an LED sign or something, the only practical improvement I can think of would be to LED-frame or else backlight the current conditions, while in effect.  Don’t make the sign change its text, just highlight the box surrounding the current rules.

…or not.

Since these plates cost me an extra $80 or so a year, the joke wore thin, and so last year I just went to the Auto Club to pay my renewal (beats going to the DMV), and decided on the spot to just get new generic white plates.  I got to keep the Yosemite NO SMAUG plates (since I’d paid for them when I got them), and they just handed me new plates for a cheaper renewal fee.  The Yosemite ones go on the wall of my garage, among my collection of plates I’ve had since I was a small boy.

But I’m keeping the Rhino Bucket frame.  Not only are they my favorite band, but Chris is right: the DMV URL at the bottom of the new plate is unnecessarily obnoxious.

Chaos.  Savagery.  No way to run a railroad.  In recent years, however, the left-turn arrows have started popping up here and there, but they’re still relatively uncommon in LA.  Timid drivers new to the situation will find themselves paralyzed, stuck behind the limit line through endless cycles, honked and screamed at by all and sundry before some gentle soul in the oncoming lane stops to wave them through.

“During business hours, commercial vehicles can pay for up to three hours of parking.  After business hours, anybody can pay for up to 6 hours of parking.  After midnight, parking is free.”

LEDs tend to not be as crisp and legible as a printed sign, too. Text, especially, is an issue with LED signage, especially at smaller sizes and long-ish distances.

Crumbs, I thought *both* signs were in play.

But LED would be so much better, especially linked to a smartphone app.  And in the long run, surely cheaper?  I don’t know how often those signs change, but costs of maintenance + cleaning + manufacture + installation + removal + overtime for the workers +++ …. and with LED displays you could actively manage how the parking works – imagine if each vehicle registered its precise location to a receiving unit so could be constantly updated and warned of changes – eg easy to clear for a parade day.

I mean, imagine pitching up in the middle of town, with an app that knows where you’re going and how long you’ll be there – and it reserved a spot and directed you there?!?!  Please!  Please!  Please!

I’m going to use my two Raspberry Pis to pitch this to NYC.  Simples.

btw I live in London and out of abject fear I park hardly anywhere at all.  I got fined £65 the other day while I picked up beer.  Beer!  Surely there’s a qualifying exemption?!