Spotted yesterday on Surrey Street, Darlinghurst, were some brand new parking ticket dispensers, still under wraps.

Sure residents can continue to park without charge or time limits, but it’s all too bad for your friends/family/tradespeople/others. I wonder what the hourly rate will be?

I hope this doesn’t spread throughout the neighbourhood.

Scooters are obviously better for the gridlocked streets than cars, but were still (theoretically) subject to the same fines. And a problem, because there was no workable way to display tickets on bikes. I say theoretically because I don’t know anyone who got fined for parking without buying a ticket. Still, a real concern.

(Untimed parking spaces map for the city)

The council’s announced changes for scooters and bikes in the city (meaning Darlinghurst and Kings Cross, the CBD, Pyrmont, Redfern and Ultimo):

• no tickets in timed areas – still need to watch the time restrictions
• 100 more untimed parking spaces in CBD – total 700 spots
• anchor points and locking rails for motorcycles trial in untimed parking areas
• cheaper on-street parking permits for city residents

Great, but not a moment too soon.