Facebook is all aflutter with comments from drivers about the new diagonal parking at the west end of Ventura Blvd.
The restriping, requiring drivers to now stop and back into their space, is part of the “Reimagine Ventura” project that is also bringing new stoplights to the boulevard. The Reimagine committee held several community meetings over a period of two years to discuss the refurbishment of the boulevard. The diagonal parking changes came out of those meetings, so they are a surprise to some, but not all residents.
Though this parking idea is in use in other cities, it’s a first for Los Angeles and for sure Woodland Hills.
Drivers are grousing that the new design is dangerous, but it is actually meant to be safer than parallel parking as drivers can see better when they pull into oncoming traffic.
A big issue is frustrated drivers who are now crossing the double yellow lines from the opposite side of the street to park head on in front of local businesses. That will get you a ticket!
A center median is planned in Phase Two of the project to restrict dangerous mid-block left and U-turns.
For the full report on Reimagine Ventura visit blumenfield.lacity.org/reimagine_ventura.
