New system to pay for parking proposed as councils scrap pay and display meters

MINISTERS have planned a new system that would allow drivers to pay for parking using a single app of their choice.

As councils scrap archaic pay and display meters, the government wants to free Brits from the burden of downloading multiple apps to pay for parking in different council areas.

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A new National Parking Platform has been proposed, which would enable motorists use an app of their choice to pay and get on with their day.

A pilot of the scheme is taking place in Manchester, with the government contributing £80,000 to the trial run.

Levelling Up Minister Dehenna Davison said already the pilot has shown a “digital parking service can be delivered”.

Ministers are now considering how to fund a roll-out across the entirety of England.

The scheme comes as councils are set to completely scrap pre-payment meters.

Brighton and Hove city council plan to rid of them by the end of the month.

In Harrow and Bromley all machines are gone already.

While many have welcomed an easier, digital approach to paying, concerns have been raised about motorists having to download numerous payment apps.

Different boroughs use different brands to facilitate payments, meaning Brits need to use up much-needed storage on their phones to leave their car in different locations across the country.

The biggest app is RingGo. But others include ParkMe, Parkopedia, Just Park and PayByPhone.

An update on timings for a single payment app should arrive in the coming months.