Do We Really Need So Many Parking Apps in the UK?

I’ve recently come to the conclusion that there are far too many parking apps when it comes to visiting different city centres and towns across the UK.

Cashless parking machines have become the norm, with most accepting payments by card or through an app. But when the card payment system is down, using an app is often the next best option.

So far, I’ve had to install RingGo, PayByPhone and MiPermit.

Don’t get me wrong, they’re all good apps and they do exactly what they’re supposed to do. They make paying for parking quick and easy, and with the option to use Apple Pay they are convenient. They also let you know how much time you have left on your ticket and even give you the option to extend your stay without having to return to your car.

That’s particularly handy when you’re out shopping or grabbing something to eat and realise you’re going to be longer than you originally planned.

But do we really need so many different apps to do essentially the same thing?

Surely, there should be one universal parking app that works across all car parks in the UK, regardless of which company operates them.

It would make life so much easier for drivers, rather than having to download yet another app, create another account and enter your details every time you park somewhere new.

I’m all for making parking more convenient, and these apps certainly have their benefits. But having multiple apps on your phone just to pay for parking seems a little unnecessary.

One app, all car parks. Surely that’s not too much to ask?