Six apps to choose from as Birmingham joins National Parking Platform

Drivers in Birmingham now have more choice over how they pay for parking, after the city council joined the National Parking Platform.

From Monday 3 August, drivers paying online at council car parks and on-street bays can choose from a range of parking apps rather than a single provider.

Six apps instead of one

Until now, RingGo was the only app accepted in council car parks. Under the new platform, drivers can also use AppyWay, PayByPhone, APCOA, Connect and JustPark, as well as RingGo.

Existing payment machines will stay where they are already provided, so drivers who prefer not to use an app can still pay in person.

The National Parking Platform is a national initiative backed by the Department for Transport that lets councils offer drivers more choice in how they pay.

"When people need to use cars, they want the way they pay for parking to be straightforward and joining this platform means far more choice when paying on the go," said Councillor Rob Grant, Cabinet Member for Transport.

He added that the council still wants to make it easier to travel around Birmingham by public transport and active travel. Details of the platform and how to pay are on the council's website.