Updated: Thu Mar. 11 2010 18:09:39

ctvedmonton.ca

Last year, city council reviewed the idea of making drivers pay for parking stalls at LRT park and rides lots, but councillors voted against it. Now, they have decided to look at the plan one more time.

The city's proposal is to set aside more than 721 of the near 4,000 stalls and charge drivers between $40 and $50 a month for their own reserved parking spot.

Commuter Loris Padovan says he relies on Edmonton's LRT Monday to Friday. But isn't on board with paying for a reserved stall.

"I'm already guaranteed a spot by coming early, so why would I go ahead and pay $50 when I get up extra early and make the extra effort so the parking is available for me?"

City Councillor Ron Hayter originally voted against fees at park and ride lots when the issue came up last year, but says he's now on board with the plan.

"If you have to pay for parking downtown it will be a lot more than paying for parking near the LRT," he said.

Padovan argues extra fees would only discourage people from taking public transit.

A report suggests a private company would be hired to sell the parking passes and take care of enforcement. 

It's estimated the plan could save the city between $175,000 and $265,000 per year.

The report is set to go before the city's Transportation and Public Works Committee on Tuesday.

With files from Joel Gotlib