C.R.’s ‘green’ parking rule shuns visitors

I read in The Gazette that people who drive hybrid cars downtown will get to park them in preferential parking spaces. This is to encourage more people to drive hybrids. So now government is dictating where I can and can't park based on the type of vehicle that I drive.

This idea sounds about as bright as backing into parking spaces. And it is to be enforced via peer pressure from other drivers.

What is Cedar Rapids telling people who patronize downtown businesses as well as those who visit our city to attend concerts, volleyball tournaments, plays, etc.? Sounds to me like the message is if you don't have a hybrid, you must park your car in an out-of-the-way place.

Also, if you try to park in a privileged spot with an unacceptable vehicle, be ready for a “dirty look” from some Cedar Rapidians. What a wonderful way to welcome people to our city!

Gail Koch

Cedar Rapids