The $1.6 billion tram line through the central city and eastern suburbs will wipe out as many as 900 parking spots – the majority in Randwick and Kingsford.

The volume of spots excised for the tram line will far exceed the number removed to make way for separated bike lanes in central Sydney, which have triggered so much ire among some business owners, motorists and talk-back radio hosts.

An artist's impression of a future tram line for Sydney's CBD.

Transport for NSW bureaucrats briefed councillors from the City of Sydney about the impact of the light rail on Monday, telling them that up to 885 parking spots could be removed along the route, which stretches from Circular Quay through Surry Hills and Randwick and Kingsford.

About 100 of these spots would be in Sydney's CBD, councillors were told. Another 150-200 would be in Surry Hills, with the rest further east.