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 old coin-operated machines. The city is hoping the change makes it easier to find a spot.

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

Mayor Peter Trent says Westmount's new system might give <a href="https://twitter.com/MTL_Ville">@MTL_Ville</a> a few ideas about parking management <a href="https://t.co/I07Cd81Hpe">pic.twitter.com/I07Cd81Hpe</a> —@CBCShaun

Under the new system, there will no longer be lines on the road designating parking spots, which usually take up more space than required to properly park.

You plug in your license plate number, and can then park anywhere in a given zone. <a href="https://t.co/739TihZhmt">pic.twitter.com/739TihZhmt</a> —@CBCShaun

Westmount approved 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.