Parking apps were introduced to make life easier for motorists, yet new research suggests many drivers are finding them more of a frustration than a help.
A survey by Temporary Car Insurance experts Uswitch found that almost half of UK drivers (47%) say they have been wrongly fined while using a parking app. A quarter report this has happened more than once, raising concerns about the reliability of these digital services.
The study also highlighted wider frustrations:
- 35% dislike having to download and register for multiple apps
- 29% experience crashes or poor signal
- 27% find the interfaces confusing
- 19% have been caught by hidden service fees
With so many different providers, drivers can feel pressured into using whichever app a car park demands, often at the risk of mistakes or unnecessary charges.
To address this, the British Parking Association is leading work on a new National Parking Platform (NPP), bringing together major providers such as RingGo, JustPark, and PayByPhone. The NPP will allow drivers to pay via one app of their choice across participating car parks nationwide.
Encouragingly, 72% of drivers believe the new system will improve their parking experience, with half emphasising the need for clear, upfront pricing without hidden admin charges. Alerts before expiry times, real-time space availability, and one-tap payment were also seen as essential features.
For ADIs and PDIs, these findings underline the importance of helping learners understand how modern parking systems work and preparing them for the practical realities of digital motoring.
1 thought on “Parking app fines spark concern among drivers”
These type of parking apps are discriminatory against many such as the elderly or who may not have a suitable smart phone, or have one but may not be able to get a signal or have ( as happened to me) been ‘locked out’ of an Apple account for some reason not allowing any downloads. it is high time the law was changed in Car Parks etc to make any GENUINE OFFER to pay by cash within a certain time frame LEGALLY ACCEPTABLE, & automatically cancel any penalties. It should also be made illegal to refuse an offer of cash payments in Restuarants, Shops, Takeaways etc. this Cashless nonsense was unheard if before temporary Covid emergency hygiene bans!!