‘Smart tab’ parking sensors are set to be trialled in Marlow.

The sensors will be fitted into the road surface in limited-waiting parking bays across the town, including blue badge spaces, which will then allow parking enforcement officers to make sure limited-waiting bays are not abused.

The sensors themselves will not be used to issue parking tickets, Bucks County Council (BCC) said, with a spokesman saying they should “lead to a higher turnover of spaces in the town centre”.

The sensors communicate via Wi-Fi to units mounted on lampposts.

BCC added that each bay will have its own business rules, hours of operation and limited time restrictions programmed into the system.

It comes after BCC threw out plans to install parking meters in the High Street and surrounding roads last year following backlash from residents, businesses and the town council who feared the meters would drive people away from Marlow and “destroy” the shopping in the town.

Speaking about the new sensors, deputy leader and transport cabinet member Mark Shaw said: “As well as aiding the work of civil enforcement officers (parking wardens), this technology will provide real-time and historical data for the on-street parking in Marlow, including average stay times, turnover rates, heat maps, contravention rates and enforcement efficiency.

“This information will be used to underpin and provide evidence for all parking policy decisions.

“The information will also help to define how bays are used and the need for defined bays and set time restrictions. This will allow us to make informed decisions that have the potential to help local businesses by increasing foot-fall and reducing congestion.

“Marlow residents and visitors will also have the opportunity to use the smart parking app which gives live availability and guidance to on-street parking spaces, making parking in the town that bit easier.

“TfB believes this will be a significant improvement on the previous pay and display system in Marlow. If the trial is successful, it is intended that the technology will be installed in other locations in the county.

“Although installation of these sensors is quick, there will be some disruption while these works are carried out but TfB will, of course, aim to keep this to a minimum.”

He added: “The new ‘smart tab’ parking sensors are an innovative idea that will be incredibly beneficial to our parking enforcement officers and the TfB parking team.

“Whilst the residents of Marlow might initially experience some minor disruption when these are installed, I am confident that the benefits of this technology will be worth it.”