Parking has come a long way from the days of fumbling for loose change to feed the meter. Today, drivers often face a choice between traditional pay and display parking machines and modern pay-by-phone apps. But which option truly offers the best experience? Let’s dive into the pros and cons of each to help you decide.

The Classic: Pay and Display Parking Machines

Pay and display machines have been a staple in UK car parks for decades. Here’s why they continue to hold their ground:

Simplicity and Accessibility

These machines are straightforward—insert your coins or card, grab your ticket and you’re set. This simplicity is especially beneficial for those who aren’t tech-savvy or don’t own a smartphone. In fact, as of June 2023, more than 20 councils across England have been removing pay and display machines, urging drivers to use apps instead. This shift has raised concerns about excluding individuals without smartphones, particularly the elderly.

Reliability

With no need for internet connectivity, pay and display machines are dependable. You’re not at the mercy of a weak signal or app glitches.

However, it’s not all rosy. Maintaining these machines can be costly for councils and there’s always the risk of theft or vandalism. Plus, with the phasing out of 3G networks, many older machines require expensive upgrades to stay functional.

The Modern Contender: Pay-by-Phone Apps

As smartphones have become ubiquitous, pay-by-phone parking apps have surged in popularity. Here’s what they bring to the table:

Convenience

No need to carry cash or even leave your vehicle. A few taps on your phone, and your parking is sorted. Some apps even allow you to extend your parking time remotely, saving you a mad dash back to the car.

Cost Efficiency for Operators

Without the need for physical machines, operators can save on installation and maintenance costs. This efficiency is one reason many councils are transitioning to app-only payments.

But there are downsides. The plethora of apps—each council or car park might use a different one—can lead to “app fatigue.” A survey found that nearly a fifth of drivers reported their council had scrapped machines or was consulting on doing so, leading to frustration among motorists.

Moreover, not everyone owns a smartphone. This shift can be exclusionary, particularly for older adults. Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, highlighted that removing pay and display machines could leave older people feeling there’s “little point going there at all” if they can’t park.

Security is another concern. Scams involving fake QR codes have been reported, where unsuspecting drivers are directed to fraudulent websites, leading to financial losses.

Striking the Right Balance

At Park Direct Ltd, we understand that one size doesn’t fit all. While pay-by-phone apps offer modern conveniences, it’s essential to cater to everyone. That’s why we advocate for a hybrid approach: maintaining pay and display parking machines alongside introducing pay-by-phone options. This ensures that all drivers, regardless of their tech preferences or capabilities, have a hassle-free parking experience.

Our bespoke parking management services are designed to provide flexible solutions tailored to your needs. Whether you’re a landowner, managing agent, or part of a housing association, we offer a range of services—from installing and maintaining pay and display machines to integrating the latest pay-by-phone systems.

Ready to upgrade your parking facilities? Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote, and let’s make parking easier for everyone.