Parking apps can add up to 40% to the cost of a parking stay

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  Drivers can pay up to 40% more for parking when app fees are added to the advertised tariff, according to the Guardian.

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  Many councils in England have removed pay-and-display machines and moved to app payments, sometimes making apps the only payment option.

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  The fees typically range from 10p to 30p and may not be clearly shown until customers reach the payment stage.

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  The Guardian found a 30p fee raised an 80p parking tariff in Harrogate by 38%, while a 20p fee raised a 50p tariff in Chester by 40%.

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  Councils save money by removing ticket machines, while many pass some or all app-provider costs on to drivers.

Who

Drivers using parking apps, and councils and app providers involved in parking payments.

What

App service or convenience fees can increase the cost of a parking stay by up to 40%.

When

The Guardian article was published on 12 October 2026.

Where

Car parks in England, including examples in Harrogate and Chester.

Why

Councils can save money by removing ticket machines, and many pass some or all app-provider costs on to drivers.

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