National Parking Platform
What is the National Parking Platform?
The National Parking Platform (NPP) is the UK’s open, neutral, not-for-profit digital infrastructure for parking. It allows parking operators, including local authorities, train stations, hospitals, universities, private car parks and more, to seamlessly share data with service providers that manage payments and other services using common standards. This cooperation enables customers to pay for parking using the app of their choice and makes parking simpler, smarter and more sustainable for everyone. NPP turns parking into a seamless, digital experience, no matter where or how people choose to park.
The NPP was originally funded and developed by the Department for Transport (DfT) and, since spring 2025, has been operated by National Parking Platform Limited, a not-for-profit private consortium of parking-sector leaders that includes Parking Matters.
The platform supports all types of parking, pay-and-display, pay-on-arrival and, pay-on-exit (coming soon), both on and off-street. It is based on the global, open APDS (Alliance for Parking Data Standards) protocols to ensure interoperability.
The NPP enables integration with leading service providers such as PayByPhone, JustPark and RingGo, supports real-time occupancy data sharing, and connects to compliance and enforcement systems. It also offers flexible options for future integration with EV charging, transport ticketing, micromobility and other mobility services.
Why is the National Parking Platform important?
For Operators
The NPP removes complexity. Councils and private operators can accept multiple payment apps without lengthy procurements or bespoke integrations. Operators will be able to take advantage of a national not-for-profit service, boosting reach and compliance while cutting infrastructure costs. The shared data creates strategic value and positions operators to join future mobility ecosystems.
For service providers
The platform opens up the market. A single interface gives access to all participating operators, eliminating the need for individual contracts and enabling faster expansion. Providers can focus on innovating, potentially offering features such as reservations, occupancy tools and subscription-based services, in a fair and competitive environment. They can also offer specialist services such as Blue Badge parking.
For Motorists
The NPP means convenience and consistency. Motorists can pay with their favourite app, check availability in advance, enjoy clearer pricing and avoid unnecessary fines. Soon, they will be able to link parking with train tickets, scooter hire or EV charging, making entire journeys easier to plan.
For suppliers and enforcement partners
Integration is easier and more effective. Adoption of APDS standards reduces development effort, while shared data improves tariff clarity, compliance and enforcement.
For the broader transport ecosystem
The NPP supports national and local policy goals, from emissions zones to digital inclusion, while laying the groundwork for truly multimodal travel.
What is Parking Matters’ role in the NPP?
Parking Matters (PML) has been at the heart of the National Parking Platform from the beginning, helping to shape the vision, develop the commercial model, and deliver the pilot that launched it.
As co-creators of the APDS standard with international partners, the team helped define the framework that underpins the platform. In 2019, Parking Matters led the original Manchester pilot, proving the model, and in 2021, coordinated the first successful multi-vendor trial of payment apps.
Since then, Parking Matters has driven adoption among local authorities, including Oxfordshire, Coventry and Liverpool, and is now a founding member of National Parking Platform Limited, the independent not-for-profit that operates the system.
On 12 September 2025, Parking Matters won a Special Jury Award at the British Parking Award for its leadership in developing the NPP. The award recognises Parking Matters’ innovation and long-term role in creating open, data-driven systems that make parking simpler and smarter across the UK.
Today, Parking Matters leads onboarding of new operators and service providers, provides technical and operational support, ensures smooth deployment, and continues to develop and expand the platform’s features.
How can my organisation or local authority take part?
Taking part is straightforward. Organisations and authorities can send an email to get-started@npp.uk.net to register their interest and begin onboarding.
Access the NPP’s official website for more information.