Westmount's pay-by-plate parking comes into effect

Westmount's new pay-by-plate system comes into effect today, the first of its kind in Quebec.

Unlike most on-street parking, the pay-by-plate system will tie parking payments to a licence plate, not a specifically-marked parking space.

The change means the end of the city's oldcoin-operated machines.The city is hoping the change makes it easier to find a spot.

Mayor Peter Trent said so far there hashas "been an extremely positive reaction" from residents.

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Under the newsystem,there willno longer belines on the road designating parking spots, which usually take up more space than required to properly park.

Westmountapproved the plan in September and awarded the contract for the new, $1.1-million system in November.

Calgary was the first Canadian city to implement a plate-based system in 2007. Since then, several cities have moved to pay-by-plate.