Parking attendants who took over enforcement from the police in Brighton and Hove on Monday are already making a difference.
In the first few days, they have issued more than 1,000 tickets and at least 20 vehicles have been towed away.
Already there is a noticeable difference in city centre streets which used to be clogged with illegally parked cars because drivers knew there was little chance of ever being caught.
There have been teething problems.
There will be more because the controversial residents' parking scheme in Hove has been postponed for a fortnight.
But the difficulties have been fewer and more minor than most people expected.
Most of the moans have come from people angry at not being able to flout the law.
There is a benefit to all road users from this enforcement.
It means everyone can get through the city more easily, including law-abiding drivers.
Brighton and Hove is a crowded and popular place where parking is at a premium.
It's vital that the existing regulations are enforced.
If buses become more reliable as a result, it should encourage people to use them, especially with a £1 flat-fare scheme.
But that also depends on co-operation with the police, who are still responsible for dealing with most traffic offences - such as nabbing motorists who illegally use and block bus lanes.
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