The first meter was installed outside the American Embassy in Grosvenor Square, Mayfair, in 1958, ushering in traffic wardens and firing the opening shots in the war on motorists.

The “lollipop” shape was commissioned by the Design Council because the American original was considered too ugly.

But they still gave drivers ugly thoughts. As Geoffrey Goodall, 78, a veteran of skirmishes with the enemy, saw the display of old meters yesterday he said: “It’s hardly something to celebrate. This city declared war on the car years ago.”

The first meter was a wind-up machine charging six old pence – 2.5p – an hour. Now drivers feel they are being wound up with fees of up to £8.

But, as meters are replaced by baffling schemes involving mobile phones, take a look at the warden above as he gives a ticket to one of the first offenders in Grosvenor Square back in June 1958.

OLD AND NEW: A modern digital meter replaces the 'lollipop'

So maybe it is really a case of the devil you know...