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The Open Market is transforming parking across the UK and beyond
Across the UK, the way we pay for parking is changing. The Open Market is ending the era of single-app suppliers and giving motorists real choice for the first time.
A smarter, more joined-up approach to parking
The Open Market is a big shift in mobility, unleashing competition between parking apps and reducing implementation and operating costs for parking operators. It creates a nationwide infrastructure for parking payments that offers more choice and convenience to motorists – wherever they park.
Instead of selecting a single parking app for your town or city, the Open Market allows multiple providers to operate side by side. It’s a smarter, more joined-up approach that’s already transforming parking in countries around the world, including the UK.
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How the NPP makes parking simple
In the UK, the Open Market is powered by the National Parking Platform (NPP) – a not-for-profit, industry-led, open platform that connects multiple parking apps to hundreds of locations nationwide. Motorists no longer have to download another app, as it integrates the ones they already use. For parking operators, there’s no complex setup or lengthy tender process – just an easier way to manage parking payments.
Research by RingGo shows strong demand for this approach: 69% of motorists find it frustrating to download or switch apps to pay for parking, while 83% of parking app users would prefer to use one app across the UK.
The NPP means:
Motorists can pay for parking using their favourite app in any town or city
Parking operators (local authorities and private operators) benefit from cost savings and greater efficiency
Parking app providers can offer better apps and value-added services
Towns and cities can access richer parking data to support local policymaking
RingGo and Arrive: championing the UK’s Open Market transition
Arrive is the overarching brand uniting the world's leading mobility solutions, and in the UK, it’s represented by RingGo – the market-leading app and key participant in the Department for Transport’s NPP pilot. A long-standing advocate for the Open Market, RingGo is the app of choice for more than 170 local authorities and private operators. RingGo combines UK leadership with Arrive’s global expertise to offer smarter, more connected parking.
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Discover the Open Market
Find out how the Open Market provides a better experience for parking operators and motorists across the UK – and the single, joined-up system behind it.
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The Open Market in action
Learn how the Department for Transport’s pilot scheme paved the way for a national NPP rollout, with 10 local authorities proving the Open Market’s success.
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What is the NPP?
Explore how the NPP simplifies data sharing and digital payments for parking operators, unlocking new insights to support smarter decisions.
An Open Market benefits everyone
Parking operators
Reduce costs through simpler, more efficient operations
Remove lengthy procurement and complex legal processes
Make improved policy decisions using richer, real-time data
Build resilience by having multiple suppliers to rely on
Streamline onboarding of new parking app providers
Provide more choice for drivers. Happier motorists. Fewer complaints
Free up staff time so employees can focus on other tasks instead of managing tenders
Motorists
Can use their preferred parking app anywhere - based on service, features, price or convenience.
Park faster - no need to download multiple apps
Have real choice as with other travel services such as booking a train or flight
Access to additional services
Flexible payment options make parking simpler and more inclusive for every motorist
Better connected to mobility services
Improved experience as more services become available
Parking apps
Higher competition driving better products
Invest in better apps and smarter ways to pay
Simpler, more stable business models
Easier for new apps to enter the market
Councils and private operators can join the Open Market today
Developed following the Department for Transport’s successful pilot scheme, the NPP is designed to make parking simple, seamless and consistent. Now operating independently, it’s governed by local authorities, service providers and the British Parking Association, driving ongoing expansion through collaboration and real-world experience.
Local authorities – If your town or city supports greater customer choice and innovation, and you want to increase mobile phone payments, Open Market parking is for you.
Private operators – If you’re looking for improved efficiency, greater resilience and enhanced data to make informed decisions, Open Market parking is for you.
Find out more
To find out how your area can benefit from the Open Market for parking, contact the NPP team at get-started@npp.uk.net. For more information, visit the NPP website.
FAQs
What is the NPP?
Does it replace the current tender model?
Who operates the NPP?
What is the feedback from councils already using the NPP?
Can private operators join the NPP?
Is the Open Market in operation elsewhere?
What does the future look like?
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