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Daily Record

New warning to people using Blue Badge parking bays at 'big six' supermarkets

Disabled Motoring UK (DMUK) is running a 'Baywatch' campaign from July 21 until August 15, 2025. 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 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' ( 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.