Contractors are partway through the process of installing credit card-operated machines to replace the coin-operated ones.

Two machines have been installed but they are still wrapped, with the electronic connection with the credit card merchant facility yet to be completed.

Council spokesman Allan Reeder said once the installation was complete, parking was expected to remain free for about a week afterwards.

"There will be notices under windscreens for regular parkers and other coverage, before the machines are activated and the area is patrolled again by parking officers," he said.

The machines will work by swiping a credit card to pay the $3 a day parking charge, with a ticket dispensed as usual to place on the windscreen.

"For people without a credit card, one of the coin-operated machines is still in place for the convenience of drivers," Mr Reeder said.

"In due course there will be a review of how much each of the machines is being used and a decision will be taken about their future."