Parking In Wollongong

According to the Illawarra Mercury, it appears that the new parking meters in Wollongong's CBD are getting off to a slow start:

Shopper Shun Meters

In terms of clients we have little to do with central Wollongong, so this would not seem to be an issue for us at first glance. However, like any business, we do have odd jobs we need to do at banks and various stores there, so we do make short trips into the centre. Certainly knowing that timed spaces are not now occupied by people using them all day is going to be a plus; but really it's only the two hour spaces that are any use to us; for a one hour trip the car-park for Crown St. Mall offers better value. To be honest there's still a lot to be said for parking a little further down Kenny or Keira St if you can find a space; five minutes walk gets you into the centre, and the on-street is untimed and free. Certainly worth considering if you want an extended trip to the centre.

What is interesting is the comments that some of the pay stations are already not working. This is only the first week of operation. Are they untested, or just prone to breakdown?