But the really clever...

But the really clever bit is that if they"re about to overstay their welcome, drivers can buy more time at any other pay station in the city - simply by keying in their numbered bay. The innovation also signals the end of leaving your ticket on the dashboard, because paid-for parking spots are tracked electronically.

Isabelle Bettez, president of 8D Technologies Inc, the company behind the city"s system, said: "Nobody likes to pay for parking, but since you have to, we"re trying to make it as easy as possible." The only evidence enforcement officers need when it comes to fining offenders comes in the shape of a hand-held unit, which tells them which bays are paid for and which aren"t.