90 Days to Take Advantage of Red Top Meter Rates

Now that the confusing red top parking meter plan has been suspended, at which meters are drivers allowed to park?

D.C. has installed almost 500 red top meters, mostly downtown. They were intended for use only by drivers with valid disability permits, allowing them to get double the time for the regular rate.

The mayor and D.C. Council delayed the program for 90 days Tuesday because of confusion. Meters for disabled used to be blue, and many of those are still on the streets.

Disability rights activists, who want more accessible parking on city streets, agree there's too much confusion with the red top meters. The National Council on Independent Living said the delay is a good idea and the city is right to find a policy that's fair and cuts down on widespread abuse of placards.

With the red top meters suspension, anyone can take advantage of the better rate.

Drivers with disabilities who have a permit displayed can park at any meter for free and for up to twice the time total time allowed but not all day. That's still illegal and subject to fines.

The city is promising to do a better public education campaign before it starts any new disability parking program, and it still hopes to have about 1,500 red top meters reserved for drivers with disabilities when the program begins.

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