{
  "$type": "site.standard.document",
  "bskyPostRef": {
    "cid": "bafyreiaaqy4eugna3xaxgrsnuols7bvqxkm3o5rfztja6g4adqrdpoxnva",
    "uri": "at://did:plc:oznbnvgr7dmvddiyvr7dih52/app.bsky.feed.post/3mj77ai427tk2"
  },
  "coverImage": {
    "$type": "blob",
    "ref": {
      "$link": "bafkreicrd33e5ixmprhmji4z7axgtniu4hialt7iayzol4fqqdv3p2jcda"
    },
    "mimeType": "image/jpeg",
    "size": 71972
  },
  "path": "/lifestyle/cars/parking-elderly-drivers-nationwide-car-park-rules",
  "publishedAt": "2026-04-11T05:30:02.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.gbnews.com",
  "tags": [
    "Major car brand confirms UK return next month amid 'considerable interest' in new vehicles",
    "Electric car law changes launching today will see public chargers installed for just £45",
    "Petrol and diesel drivers warned of 'criminal matter' as fuel thefts soar amid high prices",
    "The GB News Editorial Charter"
  ],
  "textContent": "\n\n\nOlder motorists are struggling to deal with new parking measures designed to make payment easier, amid fears drivers could be forced off roads because of the transition to digital features.\n\nPrevious research from Ofcom found that only 68 per cent of people over the age of 65 use a smartphone to go online.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nBased on new analysis, experts have warned that as many as 2.9 million older drivers do not have access to apps that enable them to pay for parking.\n\nThe warning comes as the Government urges local authorities across England to use the National Parking Platform to use a single smartphone app to pay for parking.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nTRENDING\n\nStories\n\nVideos\n\nYour Say\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThis is designed to stop motorists from having to install multiple different parking apps for different car parks in their local area.\n\nLabour worked alongside industry leaders, including Ring Go, JustPark and PayByPhone and led by the British Parking Association (BPA), to launch the new service.\n\nThe Government stated that motorists were routinely facing \"inconsistent parking rules, clunky user experiences and unnecessary barriers\" for a service that used to be simple.\n\nElderly drivers have frequently fought back against the trend of cashless transactions, which has become the new norm, especially for parking.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nLee Puffett, managing director of Start Rescue, acknowledged the benefits of the National Parking Platform, calling it a \"fundamentally sound idea\".\n\nHowever, he warned that many drivers, especially those who are older, still prefer to pay with cash or bank cards.\n\nMr Puffett said: \"Weak phone signal, bad lighting, and poor parking signage all contribute to making parking payments trickier for older drivers.\"\n\nThis was emphasised by Rob Heard, Chair of the Older Drivers Forum, who recognised the \"convenience and growing popularity\" of parking apps.\n\n### LATEST DEVELOPMENTS\n\n\n\n\n  * Major car brand confirms UK return next month amid 'considerable interest' in new vehicles\n  * Electric car law changes launching today will see public chargers installed for just £45\n  * Petrol and diesel drivers warned of 'criminal matter' as fuel thefts soar amid high prices\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nDespite this, he said local councils and authorities should continue to give drivers the option to pay using alternative payment methods.\n\nHe added: \"Not all drivers - particularly older motorists - use smartphones or feel comfortable relying solely on digital services.\n\n\"A fully inclusive approach ensures that everyone can park safely and conveniently, without being disadvantaged or forced to seek less suitable alternatives.\"\n\nIn May last year, the Department for Transport announced that the National Parking Platform had been trialled in 10 local authorities across the country.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nAt the time, the Government said the NPP was handling more than half a million transactions every month.\n\nWith widespread adoption of the NPP around the corner, councils are set to see the service handle millions of requests and transactions every month.\n\nSpeaking last May, Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood said the \"fantastic\" project would have a meaningful difference for motorists without any cost to the taxpayer.\n\n\"This Government is on the side of drivers and dedicated to giving everyone simpler, more flexible parking,\" the Labour MP for Nottingham South said.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n**Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**",
  "title": "Elderly drivers 'disadvantaged' by new nationwide parking rules as millions face difficulties"
}