Dunedin City Council staff and Fulton Hogan contractors hit the streets in Dunedin yesterday afternoon - one day earlier than expected - to begin changing parking signs in Princes and George Sts and other parts of the core parking zone.
The move followed the decision by city councillors to bow to public anger over the city's new parking regime on Monday.
Unfortunately, yesterday's efforts ended abruptly when a torrential downpour hit about 4pm, after only one sign - in George St - was able to be updated.
Contractors were placing new blue stickers with updated parking information on the existing blue signs, "but they don't stick in the wet," council assistant contract supervisor Suzanne Donaldson said.
They had hoped to get a head-start on the work, which was due to be carried out over the weekend, as bad weather - including snow - was forecast for Saturday and Sunday, Ms Donaldson said.
Nevertheless, their efforts were enough for one woman from the La Belle Lingerie shop in George St, who emerged from the shop and promptly gave Ms Donaldson a hug upon hearing the sign outside her store had been changed.
Contractors were expected to update 109 signs in George and Princes Sts, and the core parking zone, by the end of the weekend.
Parking machine tariffs were also due to be updated last night, to only accept up to $2 for a 30-minute stay from midnight.
Council staff have warned of some confusion expected while the changes are implemented this weekend, but advised motorists to follow information on parking meters in the interim.
