Korean American residents in Los Angeles, particularly in Koreatown, are increasingly frustrated by widespread parking meter problems—including broken equipment, extra fees, and limited access caused by nearby homeless encampments and poor sanitation.
On July 22, a Korea Daily team inspected meters near Vermont Avenue and 7th Street. Many meter screens were heavily damaged by graffiti and scratches, making it difficult to tell whether the machines were working or how much time was remaining. The bases of several meters were surrounded by visible waste and swarms of flies, making them unpleasant to approach.
Around Wilshire Boulevard and Harvard Boulevard, tents used by unhoused individuals blocked some meters entirely. Trash and foul smells in the vicinity made their use nearly impossible.
Meters at 6th Street and Harvard Boulevard technically support credit card, mobile app, and text payments. However, their screens were cracked, and QR codes appeared only briefly—making payment impractical. Meters at 3rd Street and Vermont Avenue had similar problems: although they accept app payments, the QR codes failed to scan. In some cases, tent ropes tied to meters prevented physical access.
In a test conducted by The Korea Daily, reporters attempted to complete a text-based payment. The process required texting a code (such as 77447) with the meter ID (e.g., WW1194), receiving a payment link, and then entering credit card information, email, and name. App payments additionally require the vehicle’s license plate number. Completing the process took about five minutes. Seniors or those unfamiliar with digital tools may find this especially difficult. Payments made via text also incur an added $0.30 per hour service fee.
The LA Times also reported on July 22 that drivers face added frustration because different cities use different parking apps—forcing users to download and register each time they park in a new area.
Some business owners have allegedly taken advantage of poor meter oversight. On 6th Street, at least four meters had unofficial signs reading “Tow-Away Temporary” or “No Parking”—despite functioning normally. A building security guard, Delfida Salgado, told the Korea Daily that local merchants posted the signs themselves to reserve parking spots.
According to the City of Los Angeles, there are about 32,944 metered parking spaces across the city. These meters generate roughly $40 million in revenue annually.
Attorney Dave Noh, who works in LA, criticized the city’s oversight: “It seems like the city government isn’t managing the meters at all. I’ve seen drivers give up on parking when they see broken meters and homeless tents nearby.”
Broken meters can be reported by calling 877-215-3958 or submitting an online report via the LADOT (Los Angeles Department of Transportation) website. However, LADOT states that a meter is only classified as “malfunctioning” when both coin and card functions fail. If even one method works, drivers are still required to pay.
BY HANKIL KANG [kang.hankil@koreadaily.com]
