Subway Commuters Face Parking Tickets

Commuters who park illegally at the Red Line subway stations may return to find a ticket or a warning notice on their cars.

The parking lots at both the North Hollywood and Universal City stations are often full, prompting many motorists to park illegally along curbs, driveways and handicapped zones.

On Wednesday, dozens of cars at the North Hollywood lot had yellow warning notices tucked under their windshield wipers, saying that the next time they may be ticketed.

A few cars, including a BMW sedan that was parked illegally and also partially blocking a handicapped spot, were ticketed.

The only available quick fix--about 40 parking spaces--is at a metered city lot just south of the North Hollywood station. That lot--which requires quarters--is on Weddington Street east of Lankershim Boulevard. It can be used by the public at $1 for 10 hours.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which operates the subway, is close to finishing a temporary overflow parking lot across from the North Hollywood station on the west side of Lankershim.

The lot, which MTA officials say should be ready by early February, will have 250 additional spaces. It is on the same parcel as a historic train depot, and the MTA said it needs fencing and lighting before it can be opened to the public.

Additional parking at the Universal City station is also under construction, with completion scheduled for March.