smart may force cities to reconsider parking laws
The smart limited two, unveiled in Geneva.
One reason that micro-vehicles like the smart exist is so that they can cut down on congestion. There is only so much space available in big urban areas, and parking spots are often hard to come by. So, to pack more vehicles in the same amount of parking spots, you've got to have smaller vehicles. Unless, of course, laws prohibit these small cars from taking advantage of their enhanced parking possibilities. This seems to be a problem out in California; "If these things sell in any kind of reasonable numbers, we're going to have to deal with it," said Matt Nichol, a transportation planner in Berkeley. Selling in reasonable numbers they are, so hopefully smart cars will be given special parking privileges soon enough.
Smart is willing to help, says U.S. spokesman Ken Kettenbeil, "It's going to be a lot of work because each city has its own policies, but we've started." We think it just makes sense and really is in everybody's best interest to make sure smart cars can make use of their diminutive size and, well, park smartly.
[Source: SF Gate]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
kevin 7:30PM (3/25/2008)
Why are state legislators being dumb . If the car can squeeze itself into a small tight radius then why not ??? That is one of the whole reasons behind purchasing a smarts besides the fuel economy . If it violates a stupid law then make an accept ion for these high miles per gallon vehicle of those with a general wheel base such as the smart , i really don't get what their bitching about . Besides the violation of some stupid law created decades ago . People are trying to take initiative and try to conserve and relieve congestion but yet now you want to hinder the functionality of the car !
Reply
Throwback 7:59PM (3/25/2008)
I can see it now. A Smart parks nose in and it's driver is unable to get into car because 2 other cars have parked against his doors. I grew up in NYC, nose to tail parking, with 2 inches of clearance is the norm.
Reply
Arthur 11:14PM (3/25/2008)
Does this means I'll actually be able to find a freaking parking space in SF or Berkeley soon? xD
Reply
why not the LS2/LS7? 11:59PM (3/25/2008)
SM@RTs are actually too long to park head-in. If you do so, the cars extend out into the traffic lanes. On narrow streets, that can be a big problem.
Reply
Aimless 1:50AM (3/26/2008)
In Europe, Mercedes suggested allowing sideways parking. But it just didn't happen. The cities would not create parking spaces that exclude 99.9% of the drivers.
And that was with the first model that was only 2.50 meters. The second model has, due to American crash safety regulations, grown bigger to 2.80. So its a mute point now.
Reply
brn 10:05AM (3/26/2008)
So every time someone comes along with a vehicle that doesn't fit into the system, the system must change to give the new vehicle an advantage over others?
Personally, I applaud the govt for hopefully taking the time to find a solution that fits everyone.
Btw: the smart's mileage is quite poor given it's size and power.
Reply
JP Hedin aka DrSmart 4:28PM (3/27/2008)
The US isn't Rome and the smart is longer than an original Humvee is wide. In San Francisco a "smart" transportation device owner who parks at right angles to the kerb can get a ticket for blocking traffic-and of course all parking garages should offer these self righteous souls a 50% discount because they are only driving half a car.
Reply