Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-Los Angeles) has authored a package of reforms that will make parking policies more fair and affordable for motorists.

The California Parking Bill of Rights will change substantially how cities and other local governments manage and enforce parking laws, providing relief from unjust citations. The legislation will prohibit cities from ticketing motorists who park at broken meters, prohibit valet-parking operators from taking metered spots or loading zones, prohibit cities from hiring private companies as parking “bounty hunters,” and require cities to promptly make spaces available to motorists after street-sweeping.

The legislation will also require cities installing new high-tech meters to allow demand-based pricing. Motorists should not be required to pay the same fare at 11 p.m. that is required at 11 a.m., Gatto said.

The legislation will reduce the ability of tow companies to fine individuals for cars illegally parked due to criminal activity that was no fault of the owner. The assemblyman said car-theft victims should not face high towing and storage bills because a car was dumped on a city street.

“Occasionally, the state needs to step in and remind our local governments that parking a vehicle should be an efficient practice and not another big hassle designed to separate motorists from their money,” Gatto said. “These simple and practical policy changes will make life easier for Californians who just want to park their cars and go about their business.”

Gatto is the chair of the Assembly Utilities & Commerce Committee and the longest-serving current member of the State Assembly. For information, visit www.asm.ca.gov/gatto.