San Francisco Bans Parking Spot Auctioning App 404
A couple months ago, we discussed a new phone app being used in San Francisco to auction off parking spaces to the highest bidder. The city has now ordered the app makers to cease and desist, and threatened motorists with a $300 fine for each transaction. City Attorney Dennis Herrera said,
Technology has given rise to many laudable innovations in how we live and work -- and Monkey Parking is not one of them. It's illegal, it puts drivers on the hook for $300 fines, and it creates a predatory private market for public parking spaces that San Franciscans will not tolerate. Worst of all, it encourages drivers to use their mobile devices unsafely — to engage in online bidding wars while driving. People are free to rent out their own private driveways and garage spaces should they choose to do so. But we will not abide businesses that hold hostage on-street public parking spots for their own private profit.
Re:Communism (Score:5, Informative)
if they're privately owned parking spots then this should be allowed
From TFS: "People are free to rent out their own private driveways and garage spaces should they choose to do so."
Re:Communism (Score:5, Informative)
Why do the neighbors take exception to it, though?
Because some people don't want their normally quiet residential neighborhood looking like a cross between a night market and an impound lot all summer.
Its hardly unusual for there to be bylaws restricting the amount and type of commerce you conduct from your home, especially if it leads to unwanted traffic, noise, or is unsightly.
This situation is all of those.