The new trend among retail outlets and some parking centers is to offer premium spots for hybrid drivers. About ten years ago I remember seeing expectant mother parking and then shortly thereafter special parking for those with young children. The expectant mother parking was obviously to shorten the distance that pregnant mommas had to walk – a nine-month pregnant belly and swollen and achey legs and feet appreciate the shorter walk.

Families with small children find that parking closer is a bit safer and also easier when you factor in kids, kid gear and shopping carts. The concept of providing premium parking spots for hybrid drivers is more a reward than anything else. I like the idea but I don’t think it is one that will last, simply because the hybrid car population will increase at a pace that will far exceed what these premium parking spots can keep up with.

Fresh & Easy
Fresh & Easy is a neighborhood market (smaller grocery store) that is a part of the Tesco series of companies. Tesco is the third largest retail company in the world and is bringing Fresh & Easy markets to several Western states. Their stores have a few spots reserved for hybrids right up front by the entrance. This is convenient whether you have a full cart of groceries or just want to zip in for a quick trip.

IKEA
Home furnishing giant IKEA also has a section reserved for hybrid drivers. For anyone that has ever been to an IKEA store, you know that the parking lot is larger than the already huge store and it is usually quite full. Anytime I’ve been I’ve had to park about ½ mile from the entrance. Driving by the exclusive spots up front filled with hybrids usually leaves me with pangs of jealousy.

Parking Garages
The creation of premium parking spots for hybrid owners isn’t restricted only to specific stores. Companies who own parking garages are also getting on the bandwagon. Some garages in Los Angeles are allowing hybrids to park for free; these drivers are double dipping into the savings bin – less at the gas pump and less at the parking garage.

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