New digital street signs spotted in Sydney

New street signs have emerged in Sydney, but many are wondering if they’re an “expensive and complicated” solution to the city’s parking problems.

New digital street signs have been placed on some Sydney streets in a move to make parking simpler, however many have wondered if the new technology is worth it.

The signs were spotted around Chalmers Street in Surry Hills between Cleveland Street and Devonshire Street and will be in place for an 18-month trial.

More are expected to pop up around Elizabeth Street between Park Street and Liverpool Street for a future trial.

The Smart Signage trial is a part of the NSW government’s $695 million Smart Technology Corridors Program.

There has been mixed responses to the introduction of the new signs. Picture: Reddit

The trial is aimed to make deciphering Sydney’s confusing parking signs and rules easier, according to Metropolitan Roads Minister Natalie Ward.

“Smart Signage will replace confusing parking, clearway and bus zone signs with one simple, digital sign that is updated and monitored remotely,” Ms Ward said.

“Not only will this technology potentially reduce parking fines, putting money back in people’s pockets, but it will also help prevent accidental parking in clearways, which adds greatly to congestion.”

Some social media users questioned whether the claims that it would make understanding street parking rules easier, with one person describing it as “a solution for a problem that didn’t need solving”.

The trial is aimed to make deciphering Sydney’s confusing parking signs and rules easier, according to Metropolitan Roads Minister Natalie Ward. Picture: Supplied

“Great, at night we can know where we can park assuming that it doesn‘t change unannounced but in the daytime who knows. Parking signs already work,” one commenter on Reddit said.

Others disagreed, saying that it would make parking more simple.

“As someone who moved here from overseas, some of the parking signs can be absolute riddles and this will help them be easier to understand by only showing the relevant rules for that time of day,” another person commented.

The signs are solar powered and have a back up battery and security camera. Picture: Supplied

The screens contain security cameras that will monitor for signs of vandalism and damage, as well as letting authorities know if screens need to be replaced.

They are also powered by solar energy however contain a back-up battery if it fails.