Wollongong City Council general manager David Farmer said yesterday the 144 machines were being switched on as they were installed and the three-week grace period would give motorists a chance to adjust to the new parking rules.

"Any money collected before March 22 will be given to local charity, SCARF.

"SCARF help refugee families settle into Wollongong and were the winners of the Australia Day community award," Mr Farmer said.

Although the machines were covered yesterday afternoon, the Mercury could find no evidence of signage telling motorists that they would be donating to charity by putting money into the machines.

The pay and display ticket machines are being installed across 850 half-hour, one-hour and two-hour parking spots in the city centre over the next three weeks.

Parking will cost a flat rate of $2 during business hours on weekdays and before noon on Saturdays.

The machines have sparked fears in business circles that shoppers will be driven away from the city centre.

Council administrator Col Gellatly has previously said the meters are just one of a number of measures aimed at increasing parking turnover and promoting the use of public transport, cycling and walking in the heart of Wollongong.

Mr Farmer said the council had produced information brochures and maps and would man information kiosks over coming weeks to educate the community.

Council rangers would also be patrolling the city centre to enforce time zones and advise motorists how to use the new machines.