A new study found that St. Paul needs to do a better job of informing drivers about available parking spaces.

The study, by San Francisco-based transportation specialists Nelson/Nygaard Consulting, found that St. Paul has plenty of parking — in excess of 28,000 spots. However, the bulk of the spots — 94 percent — are in off-street parking, where confusion over signage, pricing and contract-only lots often leads to parker frustration.

The study: Downtown parking management strategy

With the Saints' new ballpark, CHS Field, about to open, and new retail and office development likely to bring more people downtown, the report had several recommendations. They include consolidating parking management under one city authority and creating a centralized transportation website and app. They also recommended adjusting parking meter rates and time limits to optimize use and developing strategies to make off-street parking more attractive.

The report now goes to the City Planning Commission for consideration.