Over 70% of motorists have struggled while using mobile apps for parking payments over the last year, data reveals.

Among the reasons for the difficulties encountered by 73% of drivers were poor phone signal in car parks, issues with apps failing to locate the correct car park and apps malfunctioning, according to research from the RAC.

A further 13% of motorists, or 26% of those aged 75 and above, reported not being able to operate a parking app at all.

The research found that bank cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay were drivers’ preferred method of payment for parking (46%), followed by cash (33%) and mobile app (30%), with QR code and its associated ‘quishing’ risks placing last (6%).

Following the Government’s launch of the National Parking Platform in May, the RAC has highlighted that the efficiency and popularity of parking payment apps could increase depending on the scheme’s uptake across councils.

To support positive parking payment experiences, the RAC has advised drivers to keep their phone software updated, as well as being prepared with an alternative payment solution and storing evidence of payment attempts when facing technical issues.

RAC senior policy officer Rod Dennis said: ‘There’s no doubt mobile apps have an important and increasing role to play when it comes to parking our vehicles, and the best ones make parking an easier task for many of us. But our figures show there’s still plenty drivers find frustrating about using them’.

He added: ‘We also continue to believe that all parking operators, whether public or private, should offer drivers at least two different ways to pay. No-one should be forced to use to a mobile app when parking if they don’t want to, especially those who struggle with technology or just don’t have a smartphone.’