Nearly half of drivers say apps don’t make parking any easier – do you agree?
August 19, 2025 by Siobhan Doyle
Car changing is a big deal
Parking apps promise convenience, but new research shows they’re actually leaving drivers frustrated – caught by unfair fines, juggling multiple apps, and unclear pricing. Have you experienced any of these?
Used a parking app and found a fine on your windscreen? This is more common than you’d think. In fact, new research from price comparison site Uswitch finds that nearly half of UK drivers (47%) have been unfairly fined while using parking apps.
While these apps are designed to make parking simpler, drivers report a range of frustrations. Some say the apps crash or have poor signal (29%), others find them confusing to navigate (27%), and many are irritated by hidden fees (19%) or struggle to remember which app works where (19%). Payment glitches and delays are also common, affecting 16% of users.
It’s not just occasional mishaps: 25% of drivers say they’ve been fined more than once, while 22% report a single incident.
| Rank | Issue | Total respondents |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Having to download and register for multiple apps | 34.8% |
| 2 | App crashing or poor signal | 29.0% |
| 3 | Confusing or clunky interfaces | 27.2% |
| 4 | Forgetting which app is needed for which location | 19.3% |
| 5 | Hidden admin or service fees | 19.1% |
| 6 | Unclear location codes or space selection | 18.9% |
| 7 | Delays or confusion when parking | 16.3% |
| 8 | Payment not registering correctly | 16.1% |
| 9 | No issues – I’m happy using parking apps | 13.1% |
| 10 | Lack of real-time space availability or pricing information | 8.3% |
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Why do we use parking apps anyway?
Most drivers don’t even use these apps for the sake of it. Around a third (32%) say they’re required by the car park, while 29% rely on them to avoid penalties. Only 17% say they use apps to save time finding a space, and 14% appreciate remote features such as topping up parking without going back to the car.
But a one-stop solution could be coming soon
The British Parking Association is rolling out the National Parking Platform (NPP), which is a system designed to let drivers pay across multiple car parks with just one app. Early signs suggest UK drivers are cautiously optimistic: 72% expect it to make parking easier, though a small number (3%) worry it might not help at all.
What are the top priorities for this new platform? Half of drivers want clear upfront pricing with no hidden fees. Timely alerts (33%), clear local restrictions (33%), real-time availability of spaces (31%), and one-tap payments (24%) are also high on the wishlist.
| Rank | Feature | Total respondents |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Upfront pricing with no hidden admin fees | 49.5% |
| 2 | Alerts before time expires | 33.4% |
| 3 | Clear local restriction and time limits | 33.0% |
| 4 | Real-time space availability | 31.0% |
| 5 | One-tap payment and extensions | 23.5% |
| 6 | Map view of nearby car parks | 14.3% |
| 7 | In-app customer support | 9.9% |
| 8 | Saved favourites or recent car parks | 7.4% |
| 9 | Integration with EV charging spaces | 3.4% |
6 tips for navigating parking apps without the stress
Here’s how to make the most of your current parking apps to save time and money:
- Double check your location code or bay number as entering the wrong spot is one of the easiest ways to get a fine.
- Don’t let the end of your parking time sneak up on you. Set alerts before your time runs out so you can get back to your car right away.
- If you’re driving somewhere new, download the relevant parking apps in good time.
- Don’t settle for the first app you find as other apps may offer better rates or lower admin fees for the same car park. Take your time to look at reviews.
- Keep your payment details up to date in the app to make payments hassle-free.
- Check user reviews regularly to help you avoid buggy versions of apps and find hidden features that make parking much easier.
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