specifically designed to save time and effort, has had some commuters complaining about its inconvenience.

The pay-and-display cards -- valued at $50 and $100 -- were introduced in February with the intention of "making parking in the City more practical''.

"People buy these cards in order to save themselves from carrying around loose change, but if the machines are frequently out of order, what are (commuters) supposed to do?'' asked Theresa Ince who patronises the City Hall parking lot on a daily basis.

"There are four pay-and-display machines at City Hall, two of which take the debit cards, but half the time these machines don't even work,'' she complained. "It's a huge pain.

"When the machines malfunction I have to rush to a store and get change which I don't usually carry because I have a card. Luckily, I haven't had a parking ticket yet. But I'm sure people have,'' she added.

"I've seen some people write notes (to the warden) and stick them in their windows. But I don't know if that is acceptable.

"The cards are supposed to be convenient, but obviously they're just a nuisance when the machines aren't working.'' Two other daily City commuters agreed with Mrs. Ince by expressing their dissatisfaction at the machines' service.

"I frequently have a problem, usually around nine in the morning,'' said Valerie Richmond.

"Sometimes I go to work anyway and keep coming back to check it (the machine),'' she added. "Sometimes I have to go to the store or call (the Corporation) or go there myself to see what's up. It's quite a pain.'' Meanwhile, a man who wished to remain anonymous said: "It's often a hassle. I think, okay, I'll park at City Hall today, being it's so close to town. But whenever I try my card the machines seem to be down. Really the cards are meant to save you time instead of fussing around for change, but, to me, they only prove otherwise.'' However a woman using the machine inside of the Number One Shed facility yesterday morning had a different opinion.

"I have no problem,'' she said. "I guess these people just have bad luck.

But then again, I rarely park at City Hall or anywhere else for that matter.'' When contacted, Corporation spokeswoman Gina Hook said: "Like any piece of equipment the pay-and-display machines need to be maintained regularly.'' She attributed part of the problem to the weather.

"Bermuda is hot and the heat is one cause of malfunctions,'' Mrs. Hook said.

"All machines have certain glitches. However, these machines are maintained daily and if they happen to be down, it's only for a short period of time.''