New warning to people using Blue Badge parking bays at 'big six' supermarkets
How to apply for a Blue Badge
A national charity warns that many disabled people often face additional daily challenges - even more so now with the promise of Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) reforms being introduced during the current parliamentary term.
Disabled Motoring UK (DMUK) says that while the UK Government has the means to remove many accessibility barriers for Blue Badge holders, private car parks often lack commitment to prioritising these improvements. To help resolve this, the charity is relaunching its 'Baywatch' campaign next week and urging disabled people travelling as a driver or passenger to get involved.
The campaign highlights the ongoing abuse of disabled parking bays and Blue Badge misuse in supermarket car parks, calling for greater operator accountability.
Baywatch is urging disabled motorists, and those who travel with them, to complete a short survey each time they visit the supermarket between July 21 - August 15, 2025 - providing data on issues they encounter.
The Baywatch Campaign focuses on six major retailers:
Tesco
Sainsbury's
Asda
Morrisons
Aldi
Lidl
The last time the campaign ran in 2022, DMUK received over 1,000 survey responses, but with more than 3.2 million Blue Badge holders across the nation - including over 235,000 in Scotland - the number of participants could increase ten-fold.
For many disabled motorists, finding an available, properly enforced parking bay remains a persistent challenge and disabled people feel at risk of being judged or harassed, particularly those with hidden conditions.
With little evidence of enforcement, disabled motorists sometimes feel pressured to put their personal safety at risk by challenging disabled bay abuse. Disabled Motoring UK wants all disabled motorists to feel safe, confident, independent, and respected, saying that it is time for 'greater accountability in both public and private parking'.
Demand for accessible parking is rising with 52 Blue Badge holders competing per dedicated parking bay, something the charity says reflects a wider accessibility gap across public spaces and car parks.
The charity found:
40% of customers have been forced to leave car parks because there were no available suitable spaces. This is very disappointing considering 36% reported non-badge holders occupying accessible bays, according to a recent Confused.com report (June 2025). This is an increase from DMUK's 2019 Baywatch campaign which reported 20% of bays were being abused.
4 in 10 disabled people said they can't visit local shops because they are inaccessible. (Purple Pound)
Nearly 1 in 10 people admit to parking in disabled bays without a permit, often due to- lack of spaces, being in a rush or 'will only be a few minutes' (Confused.com, June 2025)
Over two thirds (67%) of Blue Badge holders have never had their Blue Badge officially inspected (Baywatch 2022)
The charity said that one in four people across the UK have a disability, so it should be in all supermarkets' best interests to ensure they don't lose custom and loyalty from their disabled customers.
Research from the Purple Pound suggests supermarkets lose £501 million a month through lack of accessibility. By gathering real-world data, DMUK says it can present this data to the parking operators and supermarkets showing the need for prosecution and encouraging them to change their attitudes towards abuse and misuse.
Dr Shani Dhanda, Award Winning Disability Inclusion and Accessibility Specialist, said: ''Accessible parking bays aren't just a nice-to-have - they're a lifeline. Without them, so many disabled people are shut out of everyday life, whether that's getting to work, buying food, going to appointments, or just being part of their community.
'When bays are misused or not properly enforced, it sends a really clear message that our access and independence aren't a priority. Baywatch matters because it's not just raising awareness - it's holding people to account and pushing for real change.'
A DMUK member added: 'I went to a supermarket, which had 25 Blue Badge bays, all were full, only 10 cars had badges the rest had no badges on display, the supermarket said the car park was policed by a private company. I had to try parking elsewhere, it caused problems when my wheelchair lift blocked the car park access road.'
Baywatch survey
People who complete the survey will be entered into a prize draw to win one of two £50 Marks and Spencers gift cards.
There's no limit on the number of surveys one person can complete, and people are being encouraged to do so every time they visit a supermarket between the campaign dates of July 21 and August 21, 2025.
You can complete the survey online here.
This year's baywatch campaign is strengthened by the support of a wide range of supporting organisations. These include:
Disability Rights UK
RAC
Transport for All
Independent Living
Phab
Allied Mobility
Motaclarity
Surewise
The Outdoor Guide
Euan's Guide
AVC
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower
You can find out more about Disabled Motoring UK (DMUK) on the charity's website here.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Record
a day ago
- Daily Record
New Blue Badge update simplifies process for people applying for parking permit
There are nearly three million Blue Badge holders across Great Britain, including more than 235,700 in Scotland. How to apply for a Blue Badge The UK Government has confirmed new measures are in place to help local authorities decide whether someone applying for a Blue Badge meets the eligibility criteria. Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood also explained how the Department for Transport (DFT) has 'produced a model application form with accompanying guidance notes for applicants on how to complete the form'. Ms Greenwood's comments came in a written response after Labour MP Anna Gelderd asked 'what steps are being taken to simplify the renewal process for Blue Badge holders'. There are nearly three million Blue Badge holders across the UK, including over 235,700 in Scotland, who may not realise that although their application is processed by their local authority, the parking permit is issued overseen by the Department for Transport. Ms Greenwood said: 'Local authorities are responsible for the day-to-day administration and enforcement of the Blue Badge scheme. They are responsible for determining and implementing the administrative, assessment, and enforcement procedures which they believe are in accordance with the governing legislation. 'Whilst it remains a matter for each individual local authority to decide on and to produce application form(s) for their area, to assist local authorities in deciding whether an applicant meets the eligibility criteria, the DfT has produced a model application form with accompanying guidance notes for applicants on how to complete the form.' The Transport Minister continued: 'The Department also recommends that authorities provide the guidance notes as a separate document to the application form so that they can be retained by the applicant for future reference after their application has been submitted. 'In addition, the Department works closely with its Blue Badge Digital Service supplier to identify possible improvements to the online application and renewal process as part of its continuous improvement programme.' The UK Government recently confirmed that 90 per cent of all Blue Badge applications are being made through its online service, which process first-time and renewals for people living in Scotland, England and Wales. Using the online application service could also help all 2.8 million users when the time comes to renew their parking permit. For users of the scheme due to renew this year they may not be aware that the processing time can take up to 12 weeks to complete - it's usually much quicker. However, the UK Government is now issuing emails to Blue Badge holders, who previously completed the application process online, giving them advanced notice their parking permit is due to expire soon. The email states this is a 'Blue Badge Reapplication reminder' and gives details of when your badge is due to expire. It goes on to give the specific date you need to reapply by 'otherwise you could be without a valid badge '. That's the important bit as Blue Badge holders could face a hefty £1,000 fine if they continue to display it after it has expired. This is because displaying an out of date Blue Badge is classed as 'misuse'. Transport Scotland guidance states: 'Misuse of a badge is a crime. You may be prosecuted if you misuse a badge.' Permit holders may also not be aware that applying for a Blue Badge early has no impact on the current Badge as the new one starts the day after the current one expires. It's also worth noting that once the local council has approved and entered the application on to the UK Government system, it usually arrives within 10 working days. Once you have completed the renewal process online, which involves providing details of your existing Blue Badge, personal details and eligibility criteria, you will receive an email confirming whether or not you have been successful. If you have, the email will also include instructions on making the Blue Badge payment to your local council - in Scotland this is £20. It costs up to £10 in England and is free in Wales. Most Blue Badges are issued for a maximum of up to three years, but this can vary by issuing council area and claimant. Once the payment has been made, you will then receive an email from the Department for Work and Transport confirming that your Blue Badge has been ordered and will arrive within 10 working days. The email also include: Name of your local authority issuing the Badge Badge number Badge start date Badge expiry date If your Blue Badge is due to expire in September or October, you can renew it now and have peace of mind that you won't forget. It's also worth checking your emails for the UK Government reminder. Eligibility for a Blue Badge is also reviewed every time a renewal application is submitted. Guidance on explains: 'Your Blue Badge is not renewed automatically. You need to reapply for it every 3 years. 'Your eligibility will be checked every time you reapply. This is to make sure you can still get a Blue Badge. Your local council processes your application and decides if you can get a Blue Badge. 'You should reapply 12 weeks before your badge expires.' The eligibility criteria for a Blue Badge was extended in 2019 to include individuals with non-visible disabilities such as Parkinson's, dementia and epilepsy to help more people park closer to the places they want to go when they travel as a driver, or a passenger. How to renew a Blue Badge online You will need a recent digital photo showing your head and shoulders. You will also need a photo or scan of your: proof of identity (such as a birth certificate, passport or driving licence) proof of address (such as a Council Tax bill or government letter) proof of benefits (if you get any) You will also need to know: your National Insurance number (if you have one) the details of your current Blue Badge You can start the application online and save the information you enter if you need to look for the required documents. You can easily return to it later and complete the process. Change of details You should contact your local council if there's a change to your: name address council area contact details Top 10 things to remember when using your Blue Badge You must follow the rules when using your Blue Badge, if you don't you are committing a crime You can only use your Blue Badge as a driver or passenger No-one else should use your badge if you are not in the vehicle with them If you are not getting out of the vehicle, you should not use your Blue Badge to get a parking space You must not let other people use your badge You must display your Blue Badge the right way up so the number can be seen clearly and your photo is face down You must apply for a new badge before your old badge runs out If your badge gets damaged you must apply for a new one Keep your badge safe. If it is lost or stolen, you must tell the police and the Local Council Check signs to make sure that Blue Badge holders are allowed to park there
BBC News
2 days ago
- BBC News
Norfolk charity hopes 'Baywatch' campaign will show blue badge misuse
A disabled motoring charity is hoping to highlight "persistent" abuse disabled drivers can face and the misuse of accessible parking spaces. Disabled Motoring UK, based near Carleton Rode in Norfolk, is asking people to give feedback about accessible parking spaces in supermarket car parks, including if vehicles are displaying a blue badge. The group's chief executive, Graham Footer, claimed one in 10 people admitted to parking in a disabled bay without a permit. He said: "Accessible bays are not a 'nice to have' - they are absolutely essential for disabled motorist blue badge holders." The campaign, named Baywatch, is urging people to feedback on the use of accessible parking spaces six major retailers including Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury's and Morrisons. It hopes to keep supermarkets accountable while highlighting some of the challenges faced by disabled people. He said: "The pressure is already there to find accessible parking without the added pressure of abuse of accessible bays on top of that. "It's such a shame when the scheme and bays are abused." However, the charity asks that people just observe and do not take matters into their own hands by confronting motorists. "You really don't know who you are challenging," Mr Footer added. The information will be published for people to see how each supermarket said: "It's only when we highlight the issue that anything is done but Baywatch keeps this matter on the agenda... it focuses attention for a short period of time which makes the supermarkets get up and listen." Natalie Portman, a blue badge holder who also works at Equal Lives, a disability rights organisation in Norfolk and Suffolk, described how she felt there was "scrutiny" and judgement when disabled people parked. She said smaller shops and parking areas with less spaces could increase tensions. "I think the assumption to have a blue badge, you have to have some mobility appliance, actually that's not a thing for so many blue badge users."That sense of suspicion you get when you use a parking bay until someone decides you're entitled to be there. "From a disability perspective, and as an individual, that sense of judgement and scrutiny is quite overwhelming when you have that all the time." Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
The Herald Scotland
3 days ago
- The Herald Scotland
Can speed cameras catch you from the front? Expert explains
That's why speed cameras have become essential in a bid to save lives. There are many myths around speed cameras, including how far one can record your speed and what speed actually triggers the roadside technology. UK speed limits explained But some might be wondering if speed cameras can catch you from the front and if a picture of your face can be taken. Let's find out, according to motoring experts at the RAC and AA. Can speed cameras catch you from the front? The RAC explains: 'Most speed cameras are rear-facing, however, there are exceptions. 'Truvelo Combi cameras, radar and laser speed guns, and the new 'Long Ranger' camera – that can measure speed and check for other driving violations from a kilometre away – all work by facing the front of vehicles.' Blue Badge user rules Do speed cameras catch your face? The AA says: 'If the camera detects speeding, it takes a digital image. 'The image will catch the vehicle's colour, type, make and registration plate. 'It may also capture the face of the driver, depending on the type of camera and which way it's facing.' Yet the AA adds not all cameras will get a clear picture of the driver. But speed cameras will also record: Time and date of the offence Speed you were travelling Speed limit on the road When caught speeding, the minimum penalty is usually a £100 fine and three points on your licence. Recommended reading: The AA continues: 'However, this could be higher if you've gone over the speed limit by a lot. You can even get a court summons. 'If it's a first offence and you don't have points on your licence, you could be offered a speed awareness course instead of penalty points. You can find more information about speed cameras on the RAC and AA websites.
