National Parking Platform appoints Sinclair as executive director

Marston Holdings’ former head of traffic technology will lead expansion of not-for-profit service to drivers and payment providers

David Sinclair has been appointed to lead the National Parking Platform (NPP), a not-for-profit organisation that enables multiple parking service providers to locations nationwide. Instead of being tied to just one parking app, drivers in participating areas can use the NPP to choose from a range of approved providers and use the one they already know and trust.

Sinclair has more than 20 years of experience in the parking, and has a background in parking technology and innovation. He joins the NPP after serving as managing director of traffic technology at Marston Holdings. Prior to this Sinclair held operations and account director roles at NSL Services and management roles at National Car Parks.

A long-time supporter of the NPP’s vision, he strongly believes in the platform’s potential to transform the driver experience while supporting a stronger and more open parking market.

His appointment comes as the NPP as the platform continues to grow, welcome new local authorities and service providers, and build momentum across the UK. David brings a strategic and commercial approach to the role, with a focus on supporting the continued expansion and long-term success of the platform.

Speaking about his appointment, Sinclair said: “I’ve followed the NPP journey closely and truly believe it has huge potential to transform the parking experience for drivers while creating a stronger and more connected market for the industry. I’m incredibly excited to be joining at such an important stage of growth and I can’t wait to reconnect with colleagues old and new to discuss how the NPP can deliver for them.”

Sinclair becomes executive director from 1 June. He takes over from interim chief executive Sarah Randall, who has overseen the NPP since its launch as a not-for-profit company in May 2025.

Looking back at the past year, Randall said: “As my secondment at the National Parking Platform comes to an end it’s given me pause for thought about how parking and mobility systems can better serve both local authorities and the public. It’s clear there is a genuine appetite between the private sector and public sector for integration and better data. 

“It’s something that DfT is already spearheading as part of its data action plan and is borne out in my many engagements with parking apps and local authority decision-makers. In many ways the NPP feels like it has the potential to act as a conduit for a lot more data sharing in future: so that local authorities not only benefit from the services that the likes of parking apps can provide citizens, but by harnessing more and better data, they can design transport systems that better serve local people. 

The NPP said: “We would like to take this opportunity to thank her for her hard work, leadership and dedication to the National Parking Platform during a hugely important period of its development.”

The platform is further expanding the team running is growing footprint. Besides appointing a new executive director, the NPP is recruiting the general manager. Meanwhile, the BPA is recruiting an engagement officer to support stakeholder engagement. 

National Parking Platform

The National Parking Platform (NPP) is a not-for-profit business that connects multiple parking service providers to thousands of locations nationwide. 
Instead of requiring drivers to download multiple apps, the NPP integrates those apps so that drivers can use the payment channel they trust at any location. 
Created by the Department for Transport and now run independently, the NPP is governed by local authorities, service providers, and the British Parking Association.

Local authorities

• Bolton Council
• Buckinghamshire Council
• Cheshire West and Chester Council
• Coventry City Council
• East Hertfordshire District Council
• East Suffolk Council
• Liverpool City Council
• London Borough of Sutton
• London Borough of Tower Hamlets
• Manchester City Council
• Peterborough City Council
• Oxfordshire County Council
• Stevenage Borough Council
• Stratford on Avon District Council
• Walsall Council
• Warwick District Council
• Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council

Payment providers

• APCOA Parking
• AppyParking
• Caura
• JustPark
• PayByPhone
• RingGo