Commentary: Parking meters should carry over paid time

Recently I was parking at a metered parking spot in Newport Beach.

I noticed the meter had about an hour left on it. Assuming the hour was paid for and would remain, I swiped my credit card, entered two hours and was surprised to see the total time I had at the meter would be only two hours.

The other hour was already paid for, so it’s not right that it was removed. With the older meters, coins are inserted, adding time to whatever was left there by the previous driver.

I was a renter for many years and was familiar with what would happen if I wanted to vacate my lease early. I was responsible for the remainder of the rent on the lease.

However, if another lessee moved in, I was not responsible for the remaining rent. Any extra charges I had already paid would be refunded. Otherwise, the landlord would be collecting double rent.

This in essence is what is happening at credit card parking meters. Double “rent” is being collected.

An ordinance should be passed eliminating this practice in Newport Beach. For that matter, it should be banned in the state.

JONATHAN FOSTER lives in Costa Mesa.