VodafoneThree removes parking pet peeves ahead of May bank holiday by eliminating 16,500 km² of mobile not spots

• VodafoneThree’s network improvements mean that connectivity could now be improved in as many as 1,400+ UK car parks, potentially helping up to 112,000 drivers at any given time and saving Britain’s motorists from parking fines.

• Seven-in-ten drivers (70%) say they’ve been unable to pay for parking using an app due to poor signal, with almost half (48%) abandoning or significantly delaying a trip altogether after being unable to download or use a parking app.

• News comes as VodafoneThree has successfully removed 16,500 km² of mobile not spots – areas that previously had little or no mobile coverage – across the UK through its latest network improvements.

With millions of Brits expected to travel over the May Day bank holiday weekend, new research from VodafoneThree reveals the growing frustration drivers face when trying to pay for parking using apps in areas with poor or non-existent mobile signal, as more car parks ditch pay-and display machines in favour of digital alternatives.

Analysis of VodafoneThree’s network upgrades against Department for Transport car park data suggests that connectivity could now be improved in as many as 1,400+ car park locations across the UK. At an average of around 16 car parks in every county, these upgrades could help up to 112,000 drivers at any given time access parking apps in areas that previously had little or no signal*.

The study found that seven-in-10 respondents (70%) who use apps to pay for parking have struggled to do so due to poor mobile connectivity[1], with almost half (48%) delaying or abandoning trips completely after failing to download or use an app[2]. Meanwhile, more than a third (37%) of respondents who have had an issue with a parking app have seen their struggle result in a fine[1].

The research also revealed that of the quarter (25%) of people surveyed who use parking apps, they have three or more parking apps on their phones[4]. 66% say poor connectivity is more stressful during holiday periods[3].

The findings come as VodafoneThree announces it has eliminated 16,500 km² of mobile not spots across the UK as part of its £11 billion investment programme to build the UK’s best network. By removing these not spots across an area 10 times the size of London, VodafoneThree is improving connectivity in hundreds of towns, tourist hotspots and rural destinations, helping customers stay connected this May bank holiday.

Network improvements have already been delivered in popular tourist destinations such as the Cotswolds, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Exmoor National Park and the Yorkshire Dales. By removing these connectivity gaps, VodafoneThree is helping customers stay connected where it matters most, particularly during busy periods like the upcoming bank holidays.

To help drivers understand where connectivity has improved, VodafoneThree has launched a network improvement postcode checker, allowing people to see whether recent network upgrades have enhanced coverage and performance in their area.

Andrea Dona, Chief Network Officer at VodafoneThree said: “Reliable connectivity has never been more important. By eliminating 16,500km² of not spots across the country, we’re removing some of the everyday frustrations that millions of customers face when simple things like paying for parking or downloading an app don’t work.

“These issues don’t just affect drivers, they have a knock-on-effect on local businesses and tourism. Our network improvements help keep those communities moving by ensuring that people can get where they need to go and support the places they love.

“And this is just the start. We’re continuing our mission to build the UK’s best network, so customers can stay connected where they live, work or travel.”

While reliable mobile coverage is essential, VodafoneThree recognises that connectivity alone is not always enough. As more everyday services – from parking to travel and payments – move online, people also need the skills and confidence to use digital tools day-to-day. That’s why VodafoneThree works with trusted partners such as Good Things Foundation to support digital skills programmes across the UK, helping more people build the confidence to use apps and online services safely and independently.

This milestone forms part of VodafoneThree’s £11 billion investment to build the UK’s best network, connecting every community across all four nations. Through this long-term investment, VodafoneThree will bring 5G Standalone coverage to 99% of the population by 2030, and 99.96% by 2034 – delivering the resilient, high-quality digital infrastructure needed to support businesses, boost local economies, and power the country’s future growth.

[1] ‘Yes, multiple times’ and ‘Yes, once’ responses combined.
[2] ‘Yes, abandoned completely’ and ‘Yes, significantly delayed’ responses combined.
[3] ‘Yes, much more stressful’ and ‘Yes, somewhat more stressful’ responses combined.
[4] ‘3’, ‘4’, ‘5’ and ‘More than 5’ responses combined.

Methodology

The research was conducted by Censuswide among a sample of 2,000 UK adults aged 18+ who drive. The data was collected between 18.03.2026 and 23.03.2026. Censuswide is a member of the Market Research Society (MRS) and the British Polling Council (BPC), and a signatory of the Global Data Quality Pledge. The research adheres to the MRS Code of Conduct and ESOMAR principles.

* VodafoneThree analysed postcode data identifying where mobile not spots had been removed alongside the Department for Transport’s UK car parks dataset. A proportion calculated from the available dataset was applied to a conservative national estimate of 17,000 car parks, suggesting more than 1,400 car parks are located in areas that have benefitted from the removal of not spots.