VANCOUVER — Need more proof that some left-coast politicians fancy themselves as closet Californians?

The City of Vancouver is considering implementing metered zones for truckers and other delivery drivers.

Never mind that commercial vehicle drivers already pay extra fees to use loading zones; some people think metering the zones would encourage drivers to get in and out faster.

The scheme — all part of something called the “Greenest City Action Plan” – – mightn’t be implemented for years, but reaction to the proposal has been rapid.

The British Columbia Trucking Association (BCTA) president Louise Yako says, simply, “Paying for loading zones won’t work.”

She says there’s no evidence drivers will be able to move more quickly but, she adds, the increased costs could be passed on to consumers.

According to a report on News1130.com, Yako says getting around congested downtown Vancouver is already a huge hassle for commercial traffic.

Another opponent, City Councillor and mayoral candidate Suzanne Anton says the city should be helping people conduct business more easily adding, “I don’t see any problem with loading zones now.”