The scheme, being run by Car Parking Technologies and its UK subsidiary, Town and City Parking (TCP), is taking place in Westminster. The city council is trialling the scheme in Saville Row, Jermyn Street and St John’s Wood High Street.

Car Parking Technologies believes the scheme is a first in the UK and Europe, with San Francisco believed to the only other place on Earth exploring the scheme.

The firm’s SmartEye car sensor product will be used to provide data to drivers via a live app to mobile phones and tablet devices. By using the device, the company claims drivers will be able to locate a parking space more efficiently, thus reducing congestion and emissions.

Chris Morris, the acting CEO of TCP, said: ‘This is an exciting development and we are thrilled to have been selected by Westminster City Council as their partner for the trial.

‘We look forward to working with them to ensure the trial delivers the outcome that the council is seeking and improving the experience for motorists within Westminster.’

Westminster City Council believes that as well as making parking easier, the scheme could introduce the possibility of pre-booking loading bays, variable tariffs during peak and off-peak times, sharing data on traffic volumes with businesses, and also to tackle disabled badge fraud.

Daniel Astaire, the council’s cabinet member for business, added: ‘This is a truly ground-breaking project. We have worked hard to get this project off the ground as it will benefit motorists, business and residents right across the city.’