Australia’s capital city Canberra is launching a smart parking programme that intends to aid drivers to quickly and conveniently find an unoccupied parking lot.

For this purpose, UK-based car parking technology provider Smart Parking has started work with the Australian Capital Territory Government to provide its SmartPark system in Manuka district of Canberra.

During its initial one year contract, Smart Parking will deploy 460 in-ground sensors.

"The Smart Parking trial is an example of our commitment to better transport in Canberra."

These sensors will use infrared technology to identify when a vehicle has found a parking lot.

This data captured by the sensors will be populated into a smartphone app and provide intelligent traffic signs, which will ultimately help drivers to quickly find a parking space.

As well as saving time and easing traffic, the technology will help offer a better parking experience to drivers, who can download application via their iPhone or Android device.

Drivers will be able to see map of parking spaces in real-time and then will be accordingly directed to the closest unoccupied space. Once a vehicle is parked, the app can be configured to make a parking fees or a top-up.

Installation of the sensors will begin in January and sensors will be installed across the city once the pilot is reviewed and approved, reported Traffictechnologytoday.com.

ACT government chief minister Andrew Barr said: "The Smart Parking trial is an example of our commitment to better transport in Canberra. In the last several weeks we have welcomed ridesharing to the capital, an Australian first, and announced the creation of Transport Canberra, a single agency responsible for the integration of buses with the new light-rail network.

"These initiatives, along with Manuka’s Smart Parking trial, will help manage Canberra’s growth, by reducing congestion, protecting our livability and maintaining Canberra as the world’s most livable city."

Smart Parking group chief executive officer Paul Gillespie said: "Our tried-and-tested SmartPark solution will play a key role in helping its roads and parking spaces operate more efficiently, delivering real benefits for both drivers and local authorities.

"We are confident that residents, businesses and visitors to Canberra will embrace this new innovative technology and see their driving and parking experience transformed for the better."