News & Features
Baywatch is Back!
Posted in General News on Wednesday, August 6th, 2025
Across the UK, disabled people often face additional daily challenges, heightened now for many by uncertainty over their financial support. While the UK has the means to remove many accessibility barriers, private car parks often lack commitment to prioritising these improvements.
Our flagship campaign is relaunching on 21st July 2025! Baywatch has been used to help hold supermarkets accountable for the abuse of disabled bays in their car parks and highlight challenges faced by disabled people. This initiative calls on disabled motorists to share any incidents of disabled bay abuse that they may witness while visiting supermarkets during the campaign period via a short survey. The survey can be completed as many times as you’d like.
Who? Where? When?
We’re calling on all disabled drivers and anyone who travels with a disabled person by car to take part in the Baywatch survey and share their parking experiences.
The survey will be open from Monday 21st July until Friday 15th August 2025, the survey will take less than 5 minutes.
The campaign focuses on six major retailers- Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons, Aldi, and Lidl. Last time the campaign ran in 2022, DMUK received over 1,000 responses.
P.S. There is a chance to win a £50 M&S gift card, read more below.
Why Baywatch Matters
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 disabilities. 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 (DMUK) wants all disabled motorists to feel safe, confident, independent, and respected. It’s time for greater accountability in both public and private parking. Your Blue Badge Matters!
Demand is rising sharply, with 52 Blue Badge holders competing per accessible bay and nearly 3 million badge holders across the UK, including a 10% increase in England last year this is of no surprise. 40% of customers have been forced to leave car parks because there were no available suitable spaces. These issues reflect a wider accessibility gap across public spaces and car parks, disadvantaging millions of disabled consumers nationwide. It is not mandatory for private car parks such as supermarkets to provide enforcement or abide by British Standards on how many disabled bays they must have.
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). By gathering real-world data, DMUK 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.
What are people saying
“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.” - Dr Shani Dhanda, Award Winning Disability Inclusion & Accessibility Specialist
“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.” – DMUK member (male)
“I went to the supermarket to go shopping with one of my carers and the disabled bays were all full, there were 6 bays, only 4 had blue badges on display, when I confronted one of the drivers I was given abuse and told she would park where she wanted, the lady then walked of to go to cashpoint and other shops, I drove away. I tried to report it to the store only to be told the car park didn’t belong to them so they couldn’t do anything about it.” – DMUK Member, Joyce K
How you can get involved
We’re calling on all disabled drivers and anyone who travels with a disabled person by car to take part in the Baywatch survey and share their parking experiences when shopping at - Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons, Aldi, and Lidl. The survey will be open from Monday 21st July until Friday 15th August 2025, you are invited to complete the survey
Lets get going!
The survey link can be found below and can be completed as many times as you’d like. Why not follow the story or promote the campaign to others and send a photo once completed using #DMUKBaywatch #MyBlueBadgeMatters
www.surveymonkey.com/r/BDWGZTT
All participants who complete the survey will automatically be added into a draw for the chance to win one of two £50 M&S gift cards.
At the end of the campaign we will be sharing our findings with the general public, supermarkets and parking operators to push for change supported by real world data.
We are not alone
We are not alone. This story is being shared up and down the country, this year we have a number of organisations supporting our campaign.
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Comments
Yvonne
Tuesday, July, 15th, 2025
Time and time again when I go to Tesco in Cradley Heath West Midlands there are no disabled spaces available. The atm cash machines are nearby and so people think that because they won’t be long they are entitled to use the disabled bays. I also see signs that disabled badges are being abused by people who are not disabled. I will definitely be doing the survey.
Paul Holgate
Wednesday, July, 16th, 2025
My local Aldi store has disabled parking but it is OVER 600 yards away. While mother and child are right outside the door. If I use a mother and child bay (displaying my badge) I still get ridiculed. There are way less appropriate parking spaces for the disabled or used by delivery drivers for quick access.
Sue
Wednesday, July, 23rd, 2025
Parking in Penrith Sainsbury's 3 camper vans in disabled spaces no blue badges. counted 4 cars parked with no blue badges. Went to Waterhead and there was a large campervan in a disabled space no blue badge and they had put tables and chairs and awning in the next disabled bay and gone off for the day taking up 2 spaces.
Marie
Wednesday, July, 30th, 2025
Sick of people using the blue badge bays at morrisons chorley old rd. Without having a badge the ones im on about are the ones facing the atm machines non badge holders use them to use the machines and to go in store They fine you for being 5 mins over on the carpark so why not be fined for not having a blue badge or better still asked to move
Phil Hughes
Friday, August, 1st, 2025
I always see people parking without blue badges , but I’m also horrified by the amount of blue badge holders who think it’s ok to use their badge to park in a space and sit in the car while their partner or the driver goes into the supermarket! It’s there for you to use the badge so you can get out of the car and have an accessible space that is close to the supermarket because you have a mobility issue.
Edmund Hobby
Friday, August, 1st, 2025
I do not shop at any of the big Supermarkets. My Wife has dietary needs and I use M&S as they tend not to use the ingrediants that upset her. The car park that is outside M&S is privately owned and I try and get to M&S as they open. I asked a Woman who was disabled as no blue badge was displayed. I got a mouth full of abuse and suggested IF She had a Blue Badge she should read the Blue Book which came with the Blue Badge. Not the foggiest idea what I was talikg about. She even came into the store and started making a fuss. I was threatened with the Police. Unfortunately for the Woman I am a retired Police officer. I suggested She made the call. I sometimes have to go to Waitrose, in this case there was a Blue Badge displayed a young Woman was in the driving seat and the car was displaying L plates. I asked again who was disabled. A large Female came to the car and started a fuss, I merely pointed out the Blue Book explained about use of the Blue Badge again a blank look. It is quite obvious that even when a person is entitled to a Blue Badge MANY have no idea about the rules and restriction re its use. It does beg the question that some Blue Badge holders are ignornat of their responsibilities. The book does not get even glanced at.
Angela M Judson
Tuesday, August, 19th, 2025
Looming security vans park in disabled bays around the Bramley and Pudsey areas of Leeds that I have witnessed. When I asked a driver why he wad using a disabled bay, he said he could for " my safety ".I told him only badge holders , permit holders had that right.He then became abusive and belligerent. Can this company be put right and what action can I take as I am sick of nit been able to park due to non permit holders.
Yvonne Block
Saturday, August, 2nd, 2025
A few months ago I witnessed a London Taxi Driver parked in a disabled bay in my local Sainsburys without displaying a blue badge. I challenged the driver asking why he was parked there and he said he was waiting for his aunt who was in the store and had the badge. I said to him that as a London Taxi driver he should know better than to park in a disabled bay without displaying a blue badge and I said I had a good mind to report him to the Public Carriage Office. His reply to that was that if I did he would tell them I called him a black b*****d. This has to be the worst reply when challenging someone for parking in a disabled bay without a badge.
Vijay Lakhani
Friday, August, 8th, 2025
People should not park without Badge
Annoyed
Sunday, August, 10th, 2025
I visit my local town & there is a post office with 2 disabled spaces facing it. These 2 spaces are rarely empty & 90% of the time the vehicles parked in said bays are works type of vans that don't display a blue badge. There are no traffic wardens in the area so these 2 spaces that have disabled wrote on the roadway & have signs that sat between 8am & 6pm the spaces are disabled use only. I'm disabled & find I can not park here, therefore I can't use my local post office. I've seen council vehicles (liverid) parked in a space & when I asked where his blue badge was he said "I'm only going to be 5 minutes as I'm emptying the litter bin (located about 50 yards away but double yellow lines and yellow marking on kerb edge)
Justin McAree
Friday, August, 22nd, 2025
Prosecution? Disabled parking bays are a courtesy on private land. Misuse would be a civil matter for breach of contract. That puts enforcement into the hands of private parking management companies. Who are little short of cowboys who ride roughshod over the civil justice system.
Margaret Powell
Saturday, September, 6th, 2025
My driveway although marked KEEP CLEAR by Highways is always being used as a parking place. I need access for ambulances, carers, nurses and once a doctor to visit us when my husband falls. and every day care I have spoken to Highways, and the Police. I have taken endless photos and its all on camera, but noone can help us When asked politely to move Im expecting carer, nurse etc. I often have abuse, and have the f word used to me as well. My driveway has a dropped kerb ............I have taken to blocking my own entrance with my car so thatI can move is quickly , out of the way if required.All this and a disabled husband to help.....
Roy Aston
Saturday, September, 6th, 2025
Lidl Cleveleys, Blackpool. Many times especially during the afternoon and evenings you find young people no blue badge displayed using the bays for their heavily modified cars (no door dings) I've challenged them and been told to F Off, there is no policing of the disabled bays and the ordinary bays are so small getting the car is near impossible (I have lumber arthritis) it's easier to drive back home than struggle.
Julie Coulthread
Tuesday, September, 9th, 2025
Asda at denaby and wathupondearne people are always using the disabled bays without badges especially at denaby as they are straight out side front entrance and Gregg's is there if you say anything you get abuse
Diane West
Tuesday, September, 9th, 2025
I suffer from chronic back pain, arthritis,chronic fatigue and currently a fractured foot. I will happily admit to using a disabled space after 7pm if there are plenty of spaces for disabled drivers, if I can’t get a normal space close to the doors of the shop (usually Aldi). I make a point of telling the cashier if I have done so. I have always been told it is fine due to the time. I am not disabled enough to acquire a disability pass which I think is wrong. By the time I have walked around a supermarket , dealt with the shopping at the till I am usually in a lot of pain.
Bob reeves
Saturday, September, 6th, 2025
The problem is not just with supermarkets. I quite often have to travel to Heathrow and Gatwick short stay car parks the disabled bays are frequently filled by persons without a disabled badge. When I have asked people who are parked in them to display a disabled badge I have been sworn at or threatened.
MICHAEL R STOREY
Sunday, September, 7th, 2025
Abuse of blue badge parking bays happens every time I visit supermarkets. When I raise the issue in store all I get as a response is. It's not our problem! When are local councils take action??
Gaidagh Cottingham
Sunday, September, 7th, 2025
Yes I take no delight in this but I have reported this problem to Morrisons in the last few months who seemed ambivalent at best and so took photos of the offending cars. The manag r said rhT they outsource the cameras and management of the parking facility to a subcontractor who never comes and inspects the lot. The local swimming pool also has a chronic amount of abuse of the double yellow lines opposite the disabled bays and also the disabled bays, mainly by women with their children which actually bocks.and restricts access to emergency services. (It is an observation not an endightment.) It is appalling and incredibly selfish. I am very happy to provide evidence and will continue to do so without impunity!
Jon Rogers
Sunday, September, 7th, 2025
I visited Tesco in Wednesbury yesterday no disabled places left I had noticed a 4x4 parked in a disabled bay no blue badge a man and woman got out the car I I think next time I visit any supermarket market and if a car without a badge is parked there take a photo of it and shoe it to the supermarket because they don't do anything about it
Robert
Sunday, September, 7th, 2025
Not only supermarkets, but motorway services too!
Elizabeth Frost
Sunday, September, 7th, 2025
Tesco express, Haughton Green, Denton. As a disabled blue badge holder, everytime l visit this store there are people parked in the only two disabled bays. No badges displayed and if l say anything I'm met with abuse or, I'm only nipping in. It states you a liable for a fine and they have cameras up. Obviously these don't work.
Leilani Simpson
Sunday, September, 7th, 2025
Every single time I go to a shop or shopping district, there are no end of people parking in the Blue Badge bays and I end up having to park further away from the shop I'm going to. I think it should be made a law, instead of only being governed by the business themselves, because they do absolutely nothing about it. I once told a staff member in Tesco about a Range Rover, that was parked in the closest Blue Badge bay, without a Blue Badge anywhere to be seen. She acted absolutely disgusted about it, and said she would send someone out to look and get the registration, but nothing happened at all. No one came to check the car and nothing was done about it, as the car was still sitting there, when I left the shop.
Ellen
Monday, September, 8th, 2025
Tesco in padiham Lancashire, Asda in Burnley, every time we go there is always a work van and other cars parked in disabled bay and I have to try and park elsewhere. But I have to stay in the car as I’m unable to get out of my vehicle and my husband has to go in on his own. Or I avoid going tot he supermarkets now. Supermarkets arnt bothered though. We tell the people in the cars they shouldn’t be parked there and we get verbal abuse. These people are able bodied and clearly don’t have a badge. There are times the whole of the disabled bay row are taken up by people who are not disabled. We are sick and tired of it. I have a scooter I can’t get out of my car in a normal bay. The bays are not wide enough. Somebody needs to start fining these people and clamping their vehicles.
Esther Williams
Thursday, September, 25th, 2025
I have asked people to move from the blue badge bay for me to park as they dont have a badge and got told to off and abused by them. I have tried to take a photo of them parking and been abused by them. For me to stay safe from the non badge holders i cannot approach them to say anything. Even false badges are being used as you can see its a copy all smdged at time. The people with big posh suv`s or range rovers or bmw audi`s use the spaces without a badge due t the space being bigger. Just so their car dont get scratched. NOT FAIR to have the abuse from anyone. This needs more done about it.