DC Testing Parking Occupancy Sensors

The District is testing a new technology called occupancy sensors.

Its really just a small disc thats underneath the car in the space and that actually sends information back that tells us whether theres somebody parked in that space or not, said John Lisle of the District Department of Transportation.

Right now, the city is using the discs just to keep track of your parking habits. But the technology could soon do much more than that. The city could soon use those sensors to send a signal to your smartphone or computer letting you know when a car pulls out and a space opens up.

San Francisco is already testing a program that does just that. Similar sensors are already used in local airports to alert drivers to open spaces.

The District Department of Transportation encourages drivers to share their input on all pilot programs and other new technology.