A recent survey found that the majority of drivers in the UK prefer using cash or contactless cards to pay for parking, rather than using parking applications. In fact, 83% out of 1387 respondents expressed a preference for traditional payment methods over setting up accounts with parking apps.
Concerns about online fraud and the complexity of certain apps were cited as reasons for the lack of interest in using parking applications. Only 14% of drivers favored using parking apps, citing their practicality over traditional payment machines.
Currently, there are thirty different parking apps available in the UK, each requiring drivers to download the app and create an account in order to pay for parking. In response to these challenges, the government announced plans for a “national parking platform” to simplify the parking payment process, with the aim of launching the system by autumn 2024. This initiative is intended to streamline the parking payment process by providing a single system for all parking locations.
RAC spokesman Simon Williams expressed support for the national parking platform, stating that it will simplify the payment process for drivers. However, there are concerns about the removal of physical parking ticket machines in favor of app-only payment, as a majority of drivers are strongly opposed to this approach.
According to a June 2023 RAC study, one-fifth of drivers believe that councils are replacing parking payment machines with smartphone apps or are preparing to do so, with 11% reporting that their local authorities have already removed part or all of the parking payment machines.
Opposition to the plan to remove physical parking machines and require payment by app is strong among drivers, especially those 65 and older. Many feel that this approach restricts their freedom to choose their preferred payment method. Additionally, a significant percentage of drivers feel discriminated against because they are unable to use mobile apps to pay for parking.