FAQs
Need a hand? Here’s how Park Smarter works – from starting a session to getting support.
Getting started
What is Park Smarter?
Park Smarter is a suite of mobile payment options from IPS. Use the app to pay for parking, extend your session and view receipts on iOS or Android. You can also pay without creating an account.How do I register for Park Smarter?
Download the app from the App Store or Google Play — search for Park Smarter UK. You don’t need an account to pay. Create one if you want to store your vehicle and card details for next time.How do I know when my parking session has started?
Park Smarter isn’t a pre-booking app. Once payment is confirmed, you’ll see a countdown in the app, or on the widget on your lock screen.Does IPS UK share or sell my personal information?
No. IPS UK will not share or sell your information to third parties.
Paying for parking
How do I check the parking tariff?
Open the app, select a zone, then choose the time you need. Tap the “i” at the bottom of the screen to see the charges for that session.How does Park Smarter work with pay-and-display meters?
You don’t need a ticket on your dashboard. Enforcement checks your number plate to confirm you’ve paid. Enter the correct plate when you start your session.Can I pay for multiple parking sessions?
Yes. You can pay for more than one session at a time.Which cards does Park Smarter accept?
Visa, Mastercard and American Express. Some car park operators set their own rules and may not accept every card.I paid for the wrong licence plate. What should I do?
Contact the local authority or operator with the details. Park Smarter can’t transfer a payment from one plate to another.
Extending a session
Can I extend my session beyond the max time?
No. You can’t go past the maximum stay for that space. Once the session ends, you’ll need to move your vehicle. Each operator sets its own max-time rules, so always check the signage. A space can also change to “no parking” later in the day — if it does, Park Smarter won’t be able to extend the session.Why can’t I extend my parking session beyond the allowed max time?
The car park owner or operator decides how long you can stay in the same space.
Receipts and payments
My session failed, but I can see pending payments on my bank account.
That’s a pre-authorisation, similar to paying at a fuel pump. It should drop off, and you’ll only be charged for the completed session. If you see more than one pending payment, only one will go through. The others can take a couple of days to disappear.Is my card information safe?
Yes. IPS UK is PCI DSS compliant. Card details are tokenised and are not shared with third parties.Do I receive a receipt for my parking?
Yes – add your email in Settings and turn on the notification to send a receipt.Can I view receipts for past parking sessions?
Yes. Go to Parking Sessions in the app menu. To email a copy, open the receipt and tap the email icon. Check your spam folder if it doesn’t arrive.
Location codes
What is a location code?
It’s the code for the car park you’re in. Enter it in the app so we can start the right session at the right tariff.Where do I find the location code?
On the Park Smarter signage in the car park. Check it before you pay.
Parking tickets / enforcement
Why is my licence plate number required?
Enforcement officers use it to check that your parking is valid.How does enforcement know that I have paid by phone?
They check your number plate against your Park Smarter session. If you get a ticket you think is wrong, contact the local authority.
App support
How do I check the parking tariff?
Open the app, select a zone, then choose the time you need. Tap the “i” at the bottom of the screen to see the charges for that session.How does Park Smarter work with pay-and-display meters?
You don’t need a ticket on your dashboard. Enforcement checks your number plate to confirm you’ve paid. Enter the correct plate when you start your session.Can I pay for multiple parking sessions?
Yes. You can pay for more than one session at a time.Which cards does Park Smarter accept?
Visa, Mastercard and American Express. Some car park operators set their own rules and may not accept every card.I paid for the wrong licence plate. What should I do?
Contact the local authority or operator with the details. Park Smarter can’t transfer a payment from one plate to another.
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