Drivers seeking prime, curbside parking spaces in the District during high-demand hours could soon be paying more, after a D.C. Council committee approved a plan Thursday that could ultimately lead to a dramatic expansion of so-called “performance parking.” Under Mayor Vincent Gray’s 2013 budget proposal, District officials would have the authority to implement the program, which currently operates in Wards 1 and 6, citywide. Gray has said the expansion could raise more than $3 million next year.

“We have never properly priced parking,” said Ward 3 Councilwoman Mary Cheh, who chairs the council’s transportation committee. “When you properly price parking, it ought to reflect the market demand, and when we reflect the market demand, then people will be able to find parking spaces.”