It appears that "smart" parking meters are coming to Westwood, according to an article in the Los Angeles Times. The meters adjust the price (upwards) as spaces become scarce during peak periods.
The technology tracks the use of parking spaces, where open spots are
available and periodically adjusts rates based on demand. Real-time data
is uploaded to ExpressPark's website and free cellphone apps — Parker
and ParkMe — which motorists can use to find parking and prices, both
curbside and in off-street lots...
One of ExpressPark's main goals is to price spots so that several
spaces always remain available on each block to reduce traffic
congestion caused by motorists hunting for parking... A
UCLA study of a 15-block area of Westwood Village determined that the
search for parking resulted in motorists traveling almost a million
extra miles a year. The average hunt took about 3.3 minutes, but in the
late afternoon and evening the typical search lasted up to 12 minutes.
Other research shows hunting for parking accounts for up to 30% of urban
traffic...
Full story at http://www.latimes.com/local/cityhall/la-me-express-park-20141216-story.html
Despite the automation, there will still be someone there to hang a ticket on your car:
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