The most common problems drivers face with ‘clunky’ mobile parking apps
New research reveals almost three-quarters of drivers using mobile apps to pay for parking face significant problems; Many municipalities are choosing to eliminate traditional payment machines in order to save money.
The RAC, which launched the study, is calling on parking operators to ensure at least two different payment methods are available and stressing that “no one should be forced to use an app”.
A survey of 1,709 drivers in the UK showed that 73 per cent of those who used the parking app last year experienced problems.
Despite the move towards digital, the majority of respondents say they prefer debit/contactless cards (46 percent) or cash (33 percent), while only 30 percent prefer apps.
The most common frustrations expressed by app users include lack of mobile signal (70 percent), the app not being able to recognize parking correctly (36 percent), and the app crashing (35 percent).
About 13 percent of survey respondents said they couldn’t figure out how to use the app; this figure doubled to 26 percent among people aged 75 and over.
More than a third (36 percent) of drivers who use parking apps have at least three installed on their phone, and 15 percent have four or more installed.
In May the Government announced the launch of the National Parking Platform, which aims to enable motorists to pay for parking at all participating car parks using the app of their choice.
At the time, it said drivers faced “inconsistent parking rules, cumbersome user experiences and unnecessary obstacles.”
The RAC said 10 local authorities were using the service, including councils in Manchester, Liverpool and Coventry.
More are expected to sign up soon.
RAC senior policy officer Rod Dennis said: “Mobile apps have a significant and growing role to play in parking our vehicles, and the best ones are making parking an easier task for many of us.
“But our figures show there are still plenty of things drivers find frustrating when using them – whether it’s a lack of mobile signal, trouble saving their bank card or the app crashing or behaving strangely.
“All parking operators, whether public or private, must offer drivers at least two different payment methods.
“No one, especially those who struggle with technology or simply don’t have a smartphone, should be forced to use a mobile app when parking if they don’t want to.”
Mr Dennis encouraged drivers to make sure they downloaded the latest version of every parking app they use to reduce the chance of it not working properly.
The latest government figures show English councils made a surplus of £1.2bn from parking in the last financial year.
The RAC commissioned research firm Online95 to conduct the survey in June and July.
