UCLA Professor of Urban Planning Donald Shoup was among a number of writers who contributed to the December 27 Los Angeles Times Opinion page on easing traffic in Los Angeles. In the section titled, “The Big Fix,” Shoup, author of The High Cost of Free Parking, wrote the following: Free Up Some Spots Along the Curb A surprising amount of traffic isn't caused by drivers on their way somewhere. Rather, it is caused by drivers who are searching for a parking spot. Cruising for curb parking in Westwood Village, for example, creates about 950,000 excess vehicle miles annually -- equal to 38 trips around the Earth. Some cities have reduced cruising in business districts by setting the parking meter rates to achieve about 85% occupancy, so one or two vacant spaces are almost always available on each block. Getting those rates right can eliminate much needless driving. There is plenty of room for price adjustments; the rates for 81% of the parking meters in Los Angeles have not changed since 1990. Most drivers would probably accept gradual upward adjustments -- especially if they can find a parking space without cruising. But first the City Council must sign on to the 85% occupancy target for curb parking. The goal is not to get the meter rates exactly right, but Los Angeles could get them far less wrong.