The Department for Transport has confirmed the national rollout of a new app-based platform that will simplify how drivers pay for parking.
Developed by a Government-backed group of parking providers under the guidance of the British Parking Association (BPA), the National Parking Platform will allow drivers to use any participating app—such as PayByPhone, JustPark or RingGo—without needing to download a new one for each location.
The initiative is being delivered at no cost to the taxpayer, with the sector taking the lead on implementation and operation. Following successful trials across ten local authorities, the platform will now be expanded nationwide.
Lilian Greenwood, minister for the future of roads, said: “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 that damage cars and £4.8bn to deliver new road infrastructure that will better connect people.”
The BPA will monitor compliance and work with councils to ensure the platform is implemented transparently and sustainably across the UK.
Andrew Pester, chief executive of the BPA, said: “Today’s announcement marks the result of 6 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.”
The new platform currently handles over half a million transactions a month. More local authorities are expected to join in the coming months as part of the next phase of the rollout.
