Motorists have been left frustrated after a new system of parking zones and fees introduced by the Corporation of Hamilton yesterday morning suffered technical glitches.

New tariffs were imposed on all roads in the city from yesterday, including streets where it had previously been free to park.

But many commuters were unable to use their EasyPark meters to pay for parking because zone codes, which must be punched into the prepaid meters, had changed under the new system.

Last week City Hall issued a statement confirming that the new system would kick in from yesterday morning. Officials also advised that EasyPark meters would have to be “resynced” to reflect the new zones and charges.

“Signs will be erected around the city to ensure motorists will know which parking zone they are in,” Corporation Secretary Edward Benevides said.

But The Royal Gazette understands that motorists were unaware of the new codes and were therefore unable to pay using their meters.

There was no evidence of any new signs at either Elliot Street or Bulls Head car parks yesterday morning, although Corporation staff were on hand at Bulls Head to help rush hour motorists pay at regular meters by debit card.

One attendant told this newspaper that he had been approached by scores of commuters complaining that their EasyPark devices were not working.

He was unable to help them and recommended that they contact Corporation officials for advice.

Yesterday a spokesman for the municipality confirmed that the new system had been hit with glitches and that technical officers were working on the problems.

The spokesman added that a statement explaining what the problems were — and whether or not they had been rectified — was expected to be released last night.

However, when contacted by The Royal Gazette again yesterday evening, the spokesman said an update on the issue would be made public later today.