Older motorists are struggling to deal with new parking measures designed to make payment easier, amid fears drivers could be forced off roads because of the transition to digital features.
Previous research from Ofcom found that only 68 per cent of people over the age of 65 use a smartphone to go online.
Based on new analysis, experts have warned that as many as 2.9 million older drivers do not have access to apps that enable them to pay for parking.
The warning comes as the Government urges local authorities across England to use the National Parking Platform to use a single smartphone app to pay for parking.
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This is designed to stop motorists from having to install multiple different parking apps for different car parks in their local area.
Labour worked alongside industry leaders, including Ring Go, JustPark and PayByPhone and led by the British Parking Association (BPA), to launch the new service.
The Government stated that motorists were routinely facing "inconsistent parking rules, clunky user experiences and unnecessary barriers" for a service that used to be simple.
Elderly drivers have frequently fought back against the trend of cashless transactions, which has become the new norm, especially for parking.
Experts have warned that elderly drivers are more likely to struggle with new parking rules
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Lee Puffett, managing director of Start Rescue, acknowledged the benefits of the National Parking Platform, calling it a "fundamentally sound idea".
However, he warned that many drivers, especially those who are older, still prefer to pay with cash or bank cards.
Mr Puffett said: "Weak phone signal, bad lighting, and poor parking signage all contribute to making parking payments trickier for older drivers."
This was emphasised by Rob Heard, Chair of the Older Drivers Forum, who recognised the "convenience and growing popularity" of parking apps.
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The new parking measures aim to make it easier for drivers to pay for parking
| GETTYDespite this, he said local councils and authorities should continue to give drivers the option to pay using alternative payment methods.
He added: "Not all drivers - particularly older motorists - use smartphones or feel comfortable relying solely on digital services.
"A fully inclusive approach ensures that everyone can park safely and conveniently, without being disadvantaged or forced to seek less suitable alternatives."
In May last year, the Department for Transport announced that the National Parking Platform had been trialled in 10 local authorities across the country.
The National Parking Platform has already been trialled by local authorities across the country
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At the time, the Government said the NPP was handling more than half a million transactions every month.
With widespread adoption of the NPP around the corner, councils are set to see the service handle millions of requests and transactions every month.
Speaking last May, Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood said the "fantastic" project would have a meaningful difference for motorists without any cost to the taxpayer.
"This Government is on the side of drivers and dedicated to giving everyone simpler, more flexible parking," the Labour MP for Nottingham South said.