CONFUSION is subsiding concerning a bungled parking scheme that left Fitzroy high-rise residents with 170 parking tickets in a month.

Yarra mayor Alison Clarke said the flood of parking fines in January had slowed to 19 around the Atherton Gardens Estate since February 20.

‘‘This doesn’t mean all the problems are solved, but it is an indication that more residents know how the temporary parking arrangements are meant to work,’’ Cr Clarke said.

The DHS is responsible for managing the temporary parking permits for estate residents while their old car park is under construction.

Atherton Gardens Residents Association president Roy Colic said the confusion only started calming down after DHS representatives met with residents to explain the changes in early February.

‘‘Those first couple of weeks were terrible, and no one was listening to us,’’ Mr Colic said. ‘‘Since we met them it’s a lot better, and some progress is coming.’’

The DHS provided interpreters in seven languages at that meeting but originally mailed the permits out with letters explaining the changes in English alone.

DHS spokesman Brendan Ryan said they were sent in English first to avoid delays, then translated and sent in other languages days after that.

Mr Colic said many residents did not receive these and had not understood the changes.

Cr Clarke said all parking fines issued before February 20 had been withdrawn as a sign of good faith so that as many people as possible could be informed about the restrictions.

Cr Clarke said it underlined the importance of effective communication with residents from non-English-speaking backgrounds.

‘‘Council always makes an effort to provide translators and interpreters when needed,’’ she said.