National parking platform to simplify app payments for UK drivers
- Perry Richardson
- May 21
- 2 min read
Updated: May 21
Drivers across the UK will soon be able to pay for parking more easily thanks to the rollout of a new national platform that allows use of any approved app at participating car parks.
The National Parking Platform, developed following government-backed trials, is being taken forward by the British Parking Association. The initiative aims to reduce the need for drivers to download and manage multiple parking apps, with the system allowing payment through any preferred app such as Ringo, JustPark or PayByPhone.
The Department for Transport confirmed the sector-led approach will come at no cost to taxpayers and will be run on a not-for-profit basis. Industry leaders and councils will work together to ensure the platform remains transparent and offers public value. Government oversight will be maintained to monitor compliance.
The scheme already operates in ten local authority areas and processes over half a million transactions each month. Work is now underway to expand the platform nationwide.
The system links approved apps to a shared back-end platform, removing barriers caused by inconsistent rules and clunky user experiences. By opening up competition between apps while connecting them to a unified network, it is expected to reduce fines and simplify the process for users.
More councils are expected to join in the coming months, with the consortium now focused on extending the platform’s reach.
This move sits alongside wider transport investment, including a £1.6 billion commitment to tackle potholes and upgrade infrastructure as part of the Government’s Plan for Change.
Minister for the Future of Roads, Lilian Greenwood, said: “This government is on the side of drivers, and dedicated to giving everyone simpler, more flexible parking. 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 £1.6bn through our Plan for Change, to mend our pothole-ridden roads which damage cars, and £4.8bn to deliver new road infrastructure that will better connect people.”
Andrew Pester, BPA Chief Executive, said: “Today’s announcement marks the result of six years of dedicated work by our parking sector to make paying for parking easier. We've strongly supported the National Parking Platform from the start, so we’re thrilled with this outcome and excited to collaborate with the Department for Transport and the new NPP Company to create a better parking experience for all drivers.”
