What does 'meter feeding' refer to in parking practices?

Meter feeding refers to the practice of continuously adding coins or payments to a parking meter in order to extend the allowable parking time beyond the original limit. This often occurs when a vehicle owner desires to park in a space for an extended duration without the risk of facing a parking violation. By repeatedly adding funds to the meter, the driver attempts to circumvent the time restrictions placed by local parking regulations.

Many municipalities have enacted laws or regulations against meter feeding to ensure fair use of parking spaces and to promote turnover, allowing more vehicles to make use of limited parking resources. This practice can lead to enforcement actions, such as tickets or fines, when observed. The emphasis on the continuous addition of funds highlights the intent of maintaining parking in a limited space over a longer duration than what is typically allowed.