Something has disappeared from downtown Fort Dodge. This disappearance, however, is one that seems to be universally welcomed.

The parking meters that once stood alongside certain downtown streets have been removed. Left in their wake are gray metal poles that once held up the meters, but those, too, will soon be cut down or yanked out by city crews.

The removal of the parking meters is the most visible element of a new system for controlling downtown parking. The switch was slowed this week by the discovery of some unintended consequences related to permit parking in city-owned lots. We expect that will be quickly resolved by city officials and the new, friendlier system will be in place as planned on Sept. 1.

The despised parking meters once stood along Central Avenue between Seventh and 10th streets. They were also on Seventh, Eighth, Ninth and 10th streets for one block north and south of Central Avenue.

All the spaces those meters once guarded will be converted to free parking for up to two hours.

The new plan includes some different fees for parking permits to be used in the lots. It also bans parking on downtown streets from 2 a.m. to 5 a.m.

We believe these changes make sense.

The parking meters seemed almost like a veiled threat that visitors to downtown were going to get a ticket. It also seemed unfair that one part of downtown had parking meters and the rest did not.

The new setup projects a more inviting image for downtown Fort Dodge that should be helpful for businesses and customers alike.

Downtown businesses do have a role to play in this as well. Owners and managers should encourage their employees to avoid parking on the streets. If the owners, managers and employees all parked in lots, the on-street spaces will be open for customers who will spend money in stores, restaurants and other businesses.