New parking technology could help make finding a space in central Wellington a lot easier.

A trial on Blair and Allen Streets starts today where motorists can top up their parking by texting a code from a distance.

Sensors will also enable people to see in advance where there are free spaces.

City councillor Andy Foster says the technology makes parking much more convenient.

"We've moved a long way from having the single coin operated clunky machines, to pay and display and then to our new technology with parking sensors."