A D.C. plan to install some 1,500 red top parking meters reserved for handicapped drivers was delayed today as the D.C. Council complained that the move came too suddenly and without proper public input.

The program, which kicked off earlier this month, changed parking policies for handicapped drivers—no longer could they park for free and for twice the listed time at any parking meter, but now they’d have to pay normal rates at meters, both the standard and reserved red top varieties.

While the D.C. Department of Transportation said the policy was aimed at cracking down on abuse of handicapped placards by commuters, some residents complained of how quickly the plan was put into effect and how extensive it would be. Once fully operational, nine percent of the city’s parking meters would be of the red top variety.

Led by Councilmember Muriel Bowser (D-Ward 4), the D.C. Council demanded that Mayor Vince Gray produce a report within 90 days justifying the use of the meters. Additionally, enforcement at the 400 red top meters already in place is suspended—handicapped and non-handicapped drivers alike can park there, but only the latter have to pay.

The council acted just after DDOT had announced it was slowing down—though not stopping—the roll-out of the red top meters. Regardless of what DDOT planned, though, it has now been overruled by the council, and will have to explain why and how the new handicapped parking plan will take effect.