The call came as Dunedin Mayor Peter Chin yesterday announced plans for a new review group - but no immediate changes - in response to public anger over the changes.
New meters, $1 to $4-an-hour charges and four-hour maximum stays were introduced across the central city on July 1.
Mr Chin and Crs Michael Guest and John Bezett pledged to do their best to resolve problems after a public meeting on July 9 when angry business owners complained of a drop-off in revenues.
Mr Chin said yesterday the council's parking strategy working party, formed following the public meeting, had doubled the number of P5 loading zones, from 32 to more than 60, in response to public anger.
However, most of the new loading zones were announced in August, with only about six added since.
The working party had also ruled out any immediate reduction in the maximum four-hour parking, despite complaints from retailers, Mr Chin said.
Instead, the working party had written to 120 business owners and residents who complained, explaining the changes.
The new review group would help the working party analyse occupancy and revenue data from the new meters.
Three months' data, to the end of September, was needed for a picture of how the parking system was working.
A report would be presented to the council in November, he said.
Until then, an advertising campaign would educate motorists about the new system, as it was clear not everyone understood the changes, Mr Chin said.
Contacted yesterday, Paasha Turkish Cafe owner Paul Martin - representing four St Andrew St businesses - said he wanted the DCC to move more quickly.
Some business owners, reliant on a quick turnover of customers, were reporting drops in revenue of 25%-33%, which they blamed on the changes, he said.
"We just need action because it's costing us money."
Leviathan Hotel owner Peter Laing, who organised July's meeting, said the council's response left him "despondent".
He planned to speak to other businessmen before deciding his next step, but a second public meeting was possible.
Otago Chamber of Commerce chief executive John Christie was "pleased" the council was addressing parking problems, but said wider issues - requiring a change in council policy - also needed attention.
Mr Chin said the review group would include representatives from the council and staff, Chamber of Commerce, University of Otago, Otago Polytechnic, Otago District Health Board and, as a "people's representative", international transport expert Prof Herbert Harris.
Council city environment general manager Tony Avery said occupancy rates and revenue from the new machines were meeting expectations, although use of council parking buildings had dropped 10%, which he could not explain.
