Next Monday was due to see the beginning of a new era with the strat of the charges.

But the meters will not now become operational until July 28th - even though some of the machines still say the 21st.

But when the charging starts it will mean motorists failing to pay and display could face a fine of up to £60.

The introduction of the charges will also mean a limit to how long you can park - between one and two hours depending on the street.

34 solar powered machines have already been located in the areas affected - Antrim Street, Bachelors Walk, Bridge Street, Castle Street, Chapel Hill from Ridgeway Street to Market Place, Graham Gardens, Linenhall Street and Market Place.

Other streets included are Market Square East, Market Street, Railway Street, Seymour Street, from Castle Street for a distance of 120 metres, Smithfield Street, Smithfield Square, Wallace Avenue, from Railway Street for a distance of 45 metres and Wardsborough Road.

A DRD spokesperson said: "For the introduction of the Controlled Parking Zone in Lisburn, Roads Service has decided to use only solar-powered pay and display machines.

"This has resulted in a much smoother installation programme, eliminating the need to dig up long stretches of footways to provide power supplies, and therefore also reducing the cost of installation. Additionally, there will be ongoing cost savings resulting from the built-in power supply.

"Recent advancements in solar technology have lead to the development of solar-powered pay and display machines which can operate effectively in the Northern Ireland climate.

"Since October 2006, Roads Service has installed 22 solar-powered pay and display machines in a number of our off-street car parks and these have proven to operate successfully."

However, there has already been concern that the charges will pursuade more people to use out of town shopping centres where parking is free.
There have also been complaints from people who work in the city centre that there is nowhere left for them to park.