LANE RANGER: Reader: Mall walkers aren’t causing parking problems

By The Lane Ranger
Published: June 29, 2008

Dear Lane Ranger: The comment concerning Potomac Mills mall decision to tow cars that are parked outside of the designated commuter parking areas — the responder made the comment which referred to Mall Walkers taking up the parking spaces, has not one iota to do with the commuter parking problems.  Apparently, the responder’s opinion is that the commuters should be allowed to park wherever they wish. The Mall Walkers have every right to park near the mall to walk inside the mall. The Mall Walkers’ vehicles are not parked in the Potomac Mills mall parking lot all day, they are parked in the Mall Parking Lot for approximately 3 hours maximum.  I know because I walk at Potomac Mills mall every day. Potomac Mills mall parking lot is for shoppers NOT for commuter parking.  Potomac Mills shopping mall allows citizens to walk inside the shopping mall prior to the shopping mall opening for the shoppers. There are a number a reasons why citizens walk inside the shopping mall.  The responder needs to get the facts straight before they make such an unfounded statement.

Thank you for allowing me to express my opinion and thoughts.
Ellen Meir
Woodbridge

Dear Lane Ranger:  I know the HOV lanes are for vehicles carrying 3 or more passengers with the exception of some hybrids as well as motorcycles.  The question is, is there also an exemption for cars with only 2 seats?  After all, one can’t fit more than 2 people in a 2 seater and they generally get better mileage than most sedans on the road. At least the Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky do.
Thanks. 
Mark Whiting
Triangle, VA.

Dear Mark: VDOT’s Mike Salmon said the answer is “No.” To use the HOV-3 lanes, you must have three people in your vehicle   unless it’s a motorcycle or a hybrid.

Decline in Holiday Travel
The AAA estimates that there will slight decline in the number of Americans who will travel this year during the Fourth of July holiday.

The auto club projects 40.5 million Americans will travel during the holiday weekend, down 1.3 percent or nearly 550,000 Americans from last year, stated an auto club press release.
This is the second consecutive travel holiday in 2008 where a year-to-year decrease was forecasted.

AAA projected a nearly 1 percent drop in holiday travelers for the Memorial Day travel holiday in May. The forecast includes U.S. residents traveling 50 miles or more from home.

“While the numbers of travelers are a bit off from last year’s levels, it is important to note that there are still millions of Americans that plan to travel,” stated Martha M. Meade, AAA spokeswoman in the release.
According to AAA, more than 13 percent of the U.S. population will be on the road this holiday weekend despite record gas prices.

More than 34.2 million Americans, or roughly 85 percent of all holiday travelers, intend to travel by automobile, the release state.  That’s a 1.2 percent decrease from last year.

Approximately 4.54 million Americans, or 11 percent of holiday travelers, expect to travel by airplane, a 2.3 percent decrease from last year. Nearly 1.7 million plan to travel by train, bus or other mode of transportation, the release stated.

Automobile travelers across much of the country will have to contend with gasoline prices at or above $4 a gallon. The national average for self-serve regular is $4.07 a gallon. That is 13 cents more than last month and $1.09 more than a year ago.

Nationwide, 30 out of 50 and the District of Columbia are averaging more than $4 a gallon.

The AAA’s Leisure Travel Index, which is based on available rates this holiday, reveals that Fourth of July holiday travelers can expect increases in other travel costs when compared to last year.

For instance, air fares over the holiday weekend have increased 13 percent over last year. In addition, AAA advises travelers that many airlines now charge fees for checked baggage and other services that were previously complimentary, so check with the airline or your travel counselor about any additional fees for your trip.

Hotel rates for AAA 3 Diamond hotels are unchanged from Fourth of July weekend 2007. Car rental rates vary from location to location, but this holiday travelers will see a 12 percent increase in car rental prices.

Meade said that while gas prices have spiked, some popular tourist destinations are responding with special offers.

“Hotels are selling rooms at last year’s rates and travelers will find free gas card offers, complimentary breakfasts with hotel stays, kids eat free deals and more. When consumers seek out all of the special offers and combine them with membership discounts, coupons, etc., they can significantly reduce the cost of their vacation.” Meade said in the release.