UK Drivers Set To Benefit From New Parking Platform

22/05/2025 11:57 Share

UK Drivers Set To Benefit From New Parking Platform

Drivers in the UK are set to benefit from the introduction of a new parking platform that will remove the need to download multiple smartphone apps.

Currently, car park operators can make use of one of a number of different apps to process customer payments, with the end result being that drivers can be required to have multiple apps installed on their phones to process payments.

That is particularly true with a reduction in the number of traditional machines accepting either cash or card in car parks across the country, with operators moving towards apps in order to benefit from lower operating costs.

The current issue is that drivers are unaware of which app will be required before going to park their car, with the possibility that limited connectivity could affect the ability to download a new app and then register an account in order to make payment.

The Department for Transport has now revealed that a ‘one app fits all’ platform will be rolled out following successful trials, with the National Parking Platform – to be delivered by the British Parking Association - allowing drivers to pay for parking at participating car parks using their preferred app.

Ring Go, JustPark and PayByPhone – three of the major parking apps – will all be included in the new platform

“This government is on the side of drivers and dedicated to giving everyone simpler, more flexible parking,” Minister for the Future of Roads, Lilian Greenwood, said. “I’m delighted that this fantastic project is being taken on by the parking sector with no extra cost to taxpayers. 

“This is public infrastructure done right: built by government, shaped with councils and now delivered by the sector that knows it best, at a time where we’re investing a record £1.6 billion through our Plan for Change, to mend our pothole-ridden roads that damage cars and £4.8 billion to deliver new road infrastructure that will better connect people.”

The platform has been rolled out in ten local authorities already and handles over half a million transactions a month, with the wider roll out seeing it being run by councils on a not-for-profit basis.