Motorists are now able to use their preferred approved parking payment app at participating council parking locations, rather than being restricted to a single provider. 

The National Parking Platform (NPP) is a national initiative supported by the Department for Transport. It connects multiple approved parking payment providers through a shared platform, allowing drivers to use their chosen app across participating locations nationwide. 

For residents and visitors, this means there is less need to download a different app when travelling between participating towns and cities. Drivers can choose the payment service that best suits them, helping create a more consistent parking experience. 

Existing payment machines will remain available in designated car parks where they are provided, giving motorists an alternative to paying through an app. 

“ The National Parking Platform gives drivers more choice and flexibility when paying for parking in Walsall. We want parking services to be straightforward and convenient for residents and visitors, and this is another step towards offering a more modern service that meets people’s needs.

“By allowing drivers to use their preferred payment app at participating locations, the platform can also make parking simpler when people travel beyond the borough. “

Councillor Ian Benton, Portfolio Holder for Street Scene and Enforcement

“ Walsall joining the National Parking Platform is another positive step for parking across the West Midlands. Giving drivers more choice over how they pay makes parking simpler, whether they’re visiting Walsall’s town centre, shopping locally or travelling across the region. We’re delighted to welcome Walsall Council and support a more connected approach to parking. “

David Sinclair, NPP Executive Director

The National Parking Platform supports competition and innovation by allowing multiple approved providers to operate through an open standards approach. The network currently supports more than 1,500 parking locations across 24 local authorities and is continuing to expand. 

Drivers will be able to pay through their preferred provider’s smartphone app. Individual providers may have their own fees and optional charges, such as for text confirmations or parking reminders.