As The Mail reported last week, opposition from business groups has for years delayed the installation of the machines.

Cr Martin Zakharov, who moved the pro-meter motion, said it was time Footscray adopted paid parking to the same extent as any other inner-city area.

"I think we're making the right move at this point in Footscray's history."

Cr Sarah Carter, who seconded the motion, backflipped on her previous stance against the meters during November's election. "Based on the information that's become available since ... I'm now confident the installation of parking machines will benefit Footscray CBD."

Cr Dina Lynch expressed concern over a lack of different time-limited parking, but supported the motion.

Cr Sel Sanli described the move as a "step forward" for Footscray. Mayor Michael Clarke denied backflipping on his earlier stance, saying paid parking was suitable for the area, considering it had since been identified as one of six central activities district by the State Government.

Cr John Cumming was the sole dissident against the motion due to what he labelled as "inadequate" consultation with businesses.

"There is something wrong with the way we are conducting ourselves with the traders.

"We're also asking the traders to be the first in the western suburbs to put their neck on the chopping block [and] say, 'yes, we'll have paid parking'."

The Footscray Traders and Footscray Asian Business associations expressed disappointment with the decision.

As FTA president Lidia Cammarano put it: "Everyone hates [ticket machines] with a passion, so I don't know why they have to do this."

However, the lobby groups were pleased that the council also voted to do a feasibility study into multi-deck car parks within central Footscray in consultation with traders and stakeholders within the next six months. Cr Catherine Cumming did not vote because of her business interests in the area.

Proposed sites for the $1-an-hour on-street machines are Barkly/Hopkins, Albert, Paisley, Leeds, Droop and Irving streets.

Revenue raised from the machines will be spent on capital works or amenity projects in Footscray for the next three years, and then reviewed.