PEOPLE are being encouraged to report drivers who misuse disabled supermarket parking bays.
Disabled Motoring UK (DMUK) has launched a new Baywatch survey to uncover the struggles faced by disabled drivers when it comes to parking across the country.
Running until August 15, the survey aims to expose the current situation faced by the disabled community, highlighting the ongoing misuse of disabled bays and Blue Badges in supermarket car parks.
The campaign encourages disabled motorists – and those who accompany them – to complete a short survey after each supermarket visit, with data collected being used to build a clearer picture of the challenges disabled people face when parking at Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons, Aldi, and Lidl.
Last year’s survey found almost half (40%) of disabled drivers had been forced to leave car parks because there were no available suitable spaces, with 36% reporting non-badge holders occupying accessible bays.
The data also revealed a further 40% of disabled people say that they cannot park at shops near them, due to them being inaccessible.
There are almost three million Blue Badge holders in the UK – with a 10% rise in England last year – an average of 52 Blue Badge holders for every accessible space.
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Dr Shani Dhanda, a 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.”
Results from the DMUK Baywatch campaign will be released in August 2025.
For more information, and to complete the survey, visit surveymonkey.com/r/BDWGZTT.
It’s about time something was done about these chances, taking parking spaces from those who genuinely need them and who have already paid for the privilege through the blue badge scheme.
The only thing I do not agree with is the £100 fine , it should be £200.