Good till thursday
"VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) - Free parking does exist in Vancouver...if you see a red hood on a parking meter today and Wednesday. The red hoods are being placed on parking meters around Vancouver starting today, despite the fact that Olympic Route no-stopping rules don't kick in on the major routes until Thursday.
The hoods advise 'No Stopping, in effect Feb 4, 2010', but since the hoods are tied down, there is no physical way to put coins in the meters. There's also no way to pay by cell phone, so in effect, it is free parking--until Thursday.
Wendy Stewart with the City of Vancouver says the hoods are being put on ahead of the restrictions, because city crews have so many meters to cover. You still have to obey posted no-stopping signs and times. However, many people looking for a parking spot along Broadway this morning were apparently assuming the red hoods meant no parking 'now', because most spots remained empty.
Free parking. You're welcome."
http://www.news1130.com/news/local/a...oods-on-meters