"People still can't quite comprehend that they no longer need to rummage for those spare coins floating around in the car in order to park in the inner city.
"We've watched some parkers still trying to feed the meters in the free P120 zone, despite the metal plates blocking the coin slot.
"It's not a trick, it really is free - for a maximum of two hours anyway."
Inner City Focus Group spokesman Ron Finn said people had a really positive attitude.
"They feel great when they don't have to put any money in, which was a real negative for them when they get into town".
"It also gives the central city a level playing field with all the other shopping areas.
"Customers are coming in and saying it's really neat.
"It's a good positive start to Christmas trading and for next year too," Mr Finn said.
McLeod's Booksellers manager Fraser Newman said customers were "psyched" about the changes.
"It's going really well. A woman told me yesterday it was nice and relaxing that she didn't have to worry about parking.
"It's so busy in town I'm finding it hard to get a coffee.
"We're hoping for a better Christmas than last year, because it made a big effect on business last year.
"This year has been a bit slower, but are are just easing into the season," Mr Newman said.
Meters within the P120 zones have had bright-orange metal plates fixed on the front and back.
The council is working through those meters, removing their batteries and decommissioning them for the 18-month trial period.
Parking spaces in the city use innovative in-ground wireless sensors that detect when a space is occupied and for how long, sending alerts to parking wardens about overstayers.
The free P120 zones will be firmly enforced so as to provide better and fair parking for all inner-city users, Mr Dallimore said.
"Initiatives like free P120 parking are absolutely critical if we are to revitalise our heart of the city and bring shoppers back.
"If our inner-city shops are busy with customers who are able to park outside for free for a reasonable period of time, then we will all benefit."
