Rise of the parking app makes the rich richer as motorists struggle

Digital parking has spread rapidly across Britain, but campaigners say it is stressful or inaccessible for many

All summer, exasperated motorists have been jabbing at their phones, trying to download and install yet another parking app. Then follows the interminable chore of entering card details and number plate, which may ultimately be derailed by poor phone signal or a glitchy app.

Anti-ageism campaigners say navigating the process can be overwhelming for some older people who, in the words of the veteran consumer champion Dame Esther Rantzen, risk being imprisoned at home".