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Westmount has long been notorious among non-residents for its difficult — some would say impossible — parking conditions, but city officials are hoping a new automated system will make things easier and create more spaces.

Starting this spring, Westmount will be the first Quebec municipality to adopt a pay-by-plate system whereby parking time is bought for a vehicle, not a specific space. This means drivers can move around and park in different spots without having to pay again each time, as long as it’s within the time they’ve paid for.

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“It’s going to be a big change,” said Greg McBain, director of Westmount’s Public Security unit, which is charged with issuing traffic tickets in the city. “Over the years we’ve received so many complaints from people about defective meters, people not having change, and the inconvenience of having to go outside to feed the meter all the time.”

Westmount’s 800 parking meters, described by McBain as outdated, will be eliminated altogether. Instead, drivers will have the option of buying time remotely via a phone app, or by credit card or coins at one of 72 pay stations to be installed along commercial roads like Sherbrooke St., Ste-Catherine St., Victoria Ave. and Greene Ave.