Drivers using hybrids are getting some parking perks these days, ranging from reserved parking at Ikea to free parking in Los Angeles.

A number of stores, including Home Depot and Office Depot, have set aside primo parking spaces just for hybrids. While these companies still give preference for coveted parking spots near building entrances to individuals who truly need them — people with limited mobility, expectant mothers, etc. — they're offering a perk to drivers with fuel-efficient vehicles. Ikea is trying out its new parking plan across the country. Home Depot and Office Depot are running trials in Austin, Chicago and several other cities.

But preferential parking isn't the only perk enjoyed by hybrid drivers. Many states allow hybrids in high-occupancy vehicle lanes with just one occupant.  While we're at it, what about free parking? In Los Angeles, cars with the California Clean Air Vehicle decal — some hybrids and other vehicles that get more than 45 miles per gallon — can park for (you guessed it) free. The New York City Council has a similar initiative under consideration. If it goes through, drivers would be able to park hybrids for free at city meters.

Houston has also considered preferential parking perks for hybrids. But Cris Eugster, the mayor's chief sustainability officer, told the Detroit News that the city is unsure whether free parking is actually an incentive for drivers to purchase hybrids. Eugster says, "We'd rather lead by example," noting that the mayor of Houston, Bill White, drives a Prius.

Eugster does have a point. While I've heard many hybrid owners say that gas price was a highly motivating factor behind their purchase, few know about the driving and parking perks that can come with their new rides. But in cities with notoriously difficult-to-find parking, such an incentive plan seems to pack more punch. It's hard to imagine anyone buying a hybrid just for parking privileges, but it could easily serve as a tipping point for buyers debating the upfront cost of a hybrid. The combination of savings in fuel and parking fees (not to mention convenience) could be enough to convince a few fence-sitters.

There may also be some question about the financial viability of such plans, especially as more and more drivers switch to hybrids. Some cities depend on parking revenues, and offering free parking to hybrids might put a significant dent in those revenues as the months and years go by. It seems like many cities would need some way to subsidize free hybrid parking. 

Photo — Kasei