[ljf]

There is usually an unmanned machine you can go and type your number plate into, how long you want to park and pay by cash or card - as an alternative - but the apps are faster and usually offer more flexibility (such as a notification when you are getting to the end of your slot with an option to extend).

You can usually also find which car parks have spaces with the apps, to save driving around. It is possible to go cash only still - but it is a pain.