Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda, Aldi, and Lidl to introduce huge car park changes
The RAC has requested that its members respond to an ongoing survey aimed at understanding the experiences of those who need to use disabled bays.
Disabled Motoring UK (DMUK) is urging individuals to participate in a survey between July 21st and August 15th to highlight the current challenges faced by the community.
DMUK's Baywatch campaign aims to highlight the persistent misuse of disabled parking bays and Blue Badges in supermarket car parks, and potentially advocate for stricter enforcement.
The campaign invites disabled motorists – and their companions – to fill out a survey after each visit to the supermarket.
The information gathered will help create a more accurate picture of the difficulties disabled people encounter when parking at six major supermarket chains: Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda, Morrisons, Aldi, and Lidl.
The 2024 survey revealed that nearly half (40%) of disabled drivers have had to leave car parks due to the lack of available suitable spaces. An additional 36% reported non-badge holders occupying accessible bays.
DMUK's data also indicated that another 40% of disabled individuals state that they are unable to park at local shops because they are inaccessible.
The need for accessible parking bays is surging at an alarming rate. With almost three million Blue Badge holders across the UK – and a 10% increase in England alone during the past year – there are currently around 52 Blue Badge holders competing for each accessible parking space.
These statistics highlight a wider accessibility crisis throughout public facilities and car parks, putting millions of disabled individuals at a serious disadvantage.
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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."
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