Abstract: A system, method, computer program product and propagated signal for an automatic parking system. The system includes a sensing subsystem for detecting an occupancy status of a vehicle parking space, said sensing subsystem providing a real-time occupancy status signal for said vehicle parking space wherein said occupancy status signal includes an occupied mode and an unoccupied mode; a communications subsystem, coupled to said sensing subsystem, for transmitting said occupancy status signal; and a management subsystem for receiving said occupancy status signal, said management subsystem processing a parking transaction for said vehicle parking space automatically upon a mode change of said occupancy status signal. A method includes automatically opening a parking transaction upon detecting an occupation of a parking space or area and automatically closing a parking transaction upon detecting a vacation of a parking space or area.