Deactivated meters mean free parking in downtown Glendale

The parking meters remain in downtown Glendale, but for a while, at least, the spaces they guard will be available for free.

The city deactivated its network of electronic parking meters in downtown Thursday after receiving complaints from motorists who said they had been erroneously ticketed, the Glendale News-Press reported.

The meters –- on Brand Boulevard and in select parking lots -– were covered and signs were posted informing motorists that they are out of service. Parking at electronically metered spots is free during repairs, which are expected to take three to five weeks, city spokesman Tom Lorenz said.

Time limits will be enforced manually with the marking of vehicle tires, he added.

The move came after city officials discovered occasional delays in the wireless communication signal between the electronic meters and hand-held receivers used by parking attendants. Motorists paid to park, but the attendants were not always getting the real-time information, Lorenz said.

The meters will be upgraded and tested before being reactivated for service sometime next month, he said.

Officials said they have received a limited number of complaints, but felt it was a good time to review and update the system. If anyone wants to dispute a ticket, they should contact the city's parking enforcement supervisor, officials said.

The electronic meters on Brand Boulevard stretch between Colorado and Doran streets.

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-- Megan O'Neil, Times Community News

Photo: Raul Hernandez from the Glendale Maintenance Department blocks out the "pay" notice for parking spots on the 300 block of North Brand Boulevard in Glendale on Thursday. Credit: Raul Roa / Glendale News-Press