The UK Government has announced the introduction of a ‘one app fits all’ system for paying for parking. This way, the government wants to end the requirement for drivers to download different apps for each new parking location. The new model, called the National Parking Platform (NPP), will allow drivers to use any of the major payment apps at all parkings that are part of the system.
During the trial phase, NPP was available in 10 local authorities in England. More than half a million transactions were recorded. Now management of the platform will pass from the government to the British Parking Association (BPA), the organization representing the parking sector.
More flexibility for drivers, but wider coverage needed
The essence of NPP is that all parking locations in the country are covered by all user applications. Currently, in some cities you can only pay for parking with certain apps. On the other hand, in other places, payments are possible exclusively with other applications. This situation forces drivers to download and use a number of different apps, instead of just one they prefer. With the national platform, this will no longer be a problem. Drivers will not have to download new app every time they change location. They will be able to choose the one they already use. The government says this will provide a more flexible and simpler parking experience.
Drivers’ association RAC welcomed the decision but stressed that the system needed to be accepted by as many car park managers as possible to have a real impact. “Paying for parking should be one of the simplest things a driver does. Instead, it has become much more complicated in recent years. If the NPP removes that barrier, it’s a big plus,” said Rod Dennis of the RAC.
BPA said that the takeover of the platform will not lead to an increase in prices for users. Also, the system is open to local authorities and private operators throughout Great Britain, and it is expected that the number of included locations will increase significantly in the coming period.
