Don't force drivers to use parking apps, RAC says

Drivers should not be forced to use mobile apps to pay for parking, the RAC has said, after three quarters of drivers it surveyed had issues with them.

The most common problem was poor phone signal in the car park, followed by the app not recognising the car park the driver was in.

The findings come as the government prepares to expand its National Parking Platform (NPP), which integrates multiple parking platforms into a single app.

The RAC welcomed the NPP but said more local authorities and parking companies needed to sign up.

The BPA said it welcomed the increase in use of parking apps, but added it was "vital that technology works for everyone."

In a statement, the association said: "Our members are committed to making parking as simple and accessible as possible, and we actively encourage operators to offer a range of payment options, including cashless and traditional methods to meet the needs of all drivers.

Additional reporting by Larissa Tairo