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Most people who pay for parking, prefer to do so by card rather than cash, a trend that looks likely to increase, according to a survey commissioned by payments experts Elavon.

In an online survey across Ireland, 46% of respondents who pay for parking prefer to pay by credit or debit card. Meanwhile, 43% favour cash and 11% have no preference.

Offer parking customers a choice in payments

“The fact that younger people are so firmly in favour of using a card to pay for parking rather than having to carry cash around with them, suggests this is a trend that is only going to head in one direction,” he said.

“That’s not to suggest we should abandon one in favour of the other. Better to offer your customers a choice. But if you’re not taking card payments, you’re literally driving business away.  

“When we conducted a similar study two years ago, there was a much stronger preference for cash over card when paying in-person at the car park

“If we look deeper at the survey results, we also see cash is more strongly favoured in rural areas. In remote spots it can be impossible to use card machines because they can’t connect so this preference could well be a legacy of that problem. 

“But as connectivity continues to improve across the country, providers can offer the option of card or cash.”

Most people need to park at some point – visiting hospital for the birth of a child, shopping trips to town or staying at a hotel for a weekend break. Many car parks are owned by local authorities and run by an external firm but hospitals, hotels, retailers and more all have a hand in the industry. 

Despite the size of the parking-payments sector, it can often be overlooked. But thanks to developments in technology, it continues to get easier to pay, whether that’s through apps, directing people to a website, a telephone service, or cold, hard cash.

What’s the favourite card payment method?

“The overwhelming preference of people paying by card is to pay at a machine or barrier,” said Patrick.

“But a significant proportion of the population like to use an app, either when parked or in advance. And those options are even more popular with younger people. 

“Having the flexibility to offer both to drivers means you’re meeting the preference of the vast majority of drivers and ensuring you’re not turning business away.”

The survey also shows almost a quarter (23%) of people like to use a digital wallet, on their smartphone or watch. This appears to be a huge increase from a similar survey we carried out a couple of years ago and we know from separate research that that digital wallets are on the rise. 

Consider alternative payment methods

Other options offered were less popular, with 11% choosing to pre-book in advance of parking and only 6% wanting to scan a QR code.

“While those options are less popular, it’s definitely worth thinking about offering the ability to pre-book for parking if you’re a provider for concert or stadium venues, or other places that people plan to park at, such as airports and railway stations.” 

To those outside the industry it might be surprising to learn that parking is ever-changing. There is a constant need to adapt to meet the demands of the customer. 

Elavon Europe is a market leader in the sector and can help you meet those changing needs right now and for the future. Talk to us to find out more. 

Source: Yonder conducted an online sample of 1,082 adults 18+ in Ireland between 8 -  14 March 2023. Data is weighted to be representative of the known population of Ireland. Yonder is a founding member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.

Question: Which of the following methods, if any, is your preferred method of payment for parking a car? Table rebased to exclude those who don’t know.