California Officials Ban Parking Near Bixby Bridge to Curb Photo Traffic

Monterey County supervisors have voted to prohibit parking on both sides of Bixby Bridge, a historic 1932 arch bridge on Big Sur, to address safety hazards caused by tourists stopping to take photos. The draft ordinance bans parking 900 feet north and 700 feet south of the bridge. Twelve unofficial parking spaces were previously closed but traffic chaos persisted, with reports of gridlock on Saturdays. One supervisor objected, questioning enforceability in the remote area 15 miles south of Carmel. The move follows global trends: near Mount Fuji, Japan, locals struggle with tourist numbers during cherry blossom season, and Rome now charges a $2 fee to access the Trevi Fountain for photos.