A new parking indicator is expected to be promoted citywide in Shenzhen's busy areas to let drivers know what parking spaces are available before they arrive, the Southern Metropolitan News reported Thursday.

The electronic indicator has been on trial near Diwang Mansion and Shenzhen Book City in Luohu District. It has been hailed by drivers who had been complaining it was hard to find a parking space in the busy area.

Two electronic parking indicators, erected back to back above Shennan Thoroughfare, are conspicuous to drivers from both directions, bearing the number of empty parking spaces available in the two parking lots of Diwan Mansion and Shenzhen Book City.

Mr. Liu, head of the management office of the Diwang Mansion parking lot, said the indicator provided up-to-date information as it was connected to a sensor at the parking lot entrance.

Previously, drivers had no way of knowing whether a parking space was available before they arrived.

(Shenzhen Daily November 26, 2004)