Hybrid Vehicle Only Parking Spaces Popping Up In New Bedford

Have you noticed these signs yet?  The first ones I saw were last week at the new Abraham Lincoln Elementary School parking lot on Ashley Boulevard.  They are next to the Handicapped Only Parking spaces.  So if you drive a hybrid vehicle, you are at a definite advantage while in that parking lot.   At the time I was there, all 4 of the Hybrid only spaces were taken, and there were no empty spaces left in the entire lot.  Someone did tell me that the city receives a grant for installing these signs, but I have yet to confirm that as a fact.