FT. LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) – Need help finding a parking spot in and around downtown Ft. Lauderdale?

Now there’s an app for that.

The city is now using technology from Streetline to let drivers know where and when parking spots open up.

Sensors embedded in the pavement detect when spaces are available.

“Parker,” a free smart phone app, provides the location and general availability of spaces through the use of web-enabled devices such as a smart phones, PCs, and tablets. Once parked, drivers can use the app to pay for parking via PayByPhone, set a timer to track how much time is remaining on the meter, or access walking directions to help find their parking space when they need to return to their vehicle.

“The City continues to embrace new technologies to make parking more convenient for our residents and visitors,” said Diana Alarcon, the City’s Director of the Department of Transportation and Mobility in a release. “This project will enable motorists to quickly locate and pay for parking in our downtown area near the FAU campus.”

The system is currently set up near the Florida Atlantic University and Broward College campuses.

In addition to detecting spots, with Parker drivers will be able to toggle between availability and price, including real-time updates as prices are changed or updated.

There is also the option to enter an address within Parker and view parking options nearest to that destination.

To download the free “Parker” app, please visit www.streetline.com/park.  Parker is available as a free download on iTunes and the Android Market.