Don't Force Drivers to Use Parking Apps, RAC Says
The Royal Automobile Club (RAC) has warned against forcing drivers to use mobile apps to pay for parking, citing widespread issues with the technology. According to a survey conducted by the RAC, three-quarters of drivers reported problems with parking apps, including poor phone signal and app recognition errors.
The most common complaints were related to connectivity issues in car parks, where drivers often struggle to get a reliable phone signal. Additionally, many drivers experienced difficulties when trying to pay for parking using an app that did not recognize the specific car park they were in.
Rod Dennis, RAC senior policy officer, emphasized the need for parking operators to offer multiple payment options. "Parking should be one of the simplest tasks any driver completes," he said. "Having to navigate a variety of differently designed apps and register an account, vehicle details, and bank cards with each one can be a pain." Dennis stressed that no driver should be forced to use a mobile app when parking if they don't want to.
The RAC's stance comes as the government prepares to expand its National Parking Platform (NPP), which aims to simplify parking payments by allowing drivers to pay for parking using a single app. While the RAC welcomed the NPP, it urged more local authorities and parking companies to sign up to the platform.
Background: The NPP was launched in 2019 with the goal of reducing the number of parking apps that drivers need to download. Currently, many cities have their own parking apps, which can be confusing for visitors who may not know which app to use or how to pay for parking.
The RAC's survey highlights the need for a more streamlined and user-friendly parking payment system. "Drivers should not be forced to use technology that is unreliable or inconvenient," Dennis said. "Parking operators should offer drivers at least two different ways to pay, including cash payments."
Implications: The RAC's warning against forcing drivers to use parking apps has implications for the development of smart cities and urban planning. As cities continue to grow and become increasingly congested, finding innovative solutions to parking challenges is crucial.
Next Developments: The government's expansion of the NPP is expected to provide more opportunities for local authorities and parking companies to sign up. However, the RAC will continue to monitor the situation and advocate for drivers' rights.
In conclusion, the RAC's call for greater flexibility in parking payment options highlights the need for a more user-friendly and reliable system. As cities continue to evolve, finding solutions that meet the needs of all drivers is essential.
*Reporting by Bbc.*
