A San Francisco company is to embed sensors alongside 6,000 parking spots to make it easier for motorists to find a place.
The sensors, which will also measure traffic volumes and speeds, will have their information available on web pages and smartphones, as well as streetside signs.
The idea is to cut traffic and pollution by trimming the phenomenon of cars circling looking for a parking space.
The system used involves the monitors communicating with each other via a mesh network, which means that no expensive central wireless tranmission/reception equipment is needed.
The nodes can operate for an average of 10 years on two AA batteries before needing a replacement.
