parking

* We test car-related phone apps * Apps for Android devices * From 'black box' video to parking locators...

parking

This section of our review contains Android apps that will help you find car parking spaces, pay for them and even lead you back to where you parked.

AA Parking
Cost
1.99
Info Get it here
Size 602k

What is it? The AA Parking App locates parking spaces that are closest to your location or at a destination of your choice.

How does it work? Using your phone's GPS signal, the app will find the closest parking spots at the click of a button. You can also enter the postcode or address of your destination. The list reveals free and paid parking, along with the amount you'll have to pay. Other information such as directions, maximum vehicle height and the type of car park is included.

Verdict We looked but couldn't find anything on the Android market as good as this app for finding a parking space. It fulfills its purpose without the use of fussy design or superfluous gimmicks. It's easy to use, and we found the additional information such as vehicle height useful in tight city centre car parks where some 4x4 vehicles will be too tall to enter. A must-have app for those who travel widely for business or pleasure.

RinGo
Info
Get it here
Cost Free
Size 778k

What is it: So you've found your parking space, but now you've got no change to pay for it the RinGo app will help you out.

How does it work? The RinGo app can pay for, or remotely top up, your parking charges at more than 4000 sites across the UK. It works at car parks operated by more than 60 local authorities, 10 railway operators and various private firms such as NCP.

Verdict The app lets you search locations for car parks that are covered, before letting you click through to gain more information. You need to create a secure account by registering a payment card and your vehicle's registration. Once you've done that, paying for parking or topping up is simple and can be done without returning to your car. We found reason to use this app three times in just one week potentially saving a hefty penalty charge. It's a great free app that we thoroughly recommend.

Car Locator
Info
Get it here
Cost 2.49 (free trial version with 10 sessions)
Size 1002k

What is it? A GPS-based car locator that's designed to lead you back to your car wherever you have parked it.

How does it work? Click a button when you park your car to automatically store its location, then use the 'radar' or map function to lead you back to it.

Verdict The Car Locator app includes a 'radar' graphic to lead you back to your car, and while it might be a gimmick, it's also very accurate, extremely efficient and addictive. Who'd have thought parking could be this much fun? Try it out with the free trial version, which gives you 10 complimentary park-and-find sessions.