DMUK’s Baywatch is Back!

Disabled Motoring UK (DMUK) has kicked off this year’s renowned Baywatch campaign, which aims to tackle disabled parking bay misuse by inviting disabled motorists, or those who travel with a disabled person, to take part in a five-minute survey – My Blue Badge Matters.

Being able to easily park your wheelchair accessible vehicle in a designated disabled bay is, as the award-winning disability inclusion and accessibly specialist, Dr Shani Dhanda, puts it “a lifeline”.

But as of now, private carparks such as those in supermarkets do not have to enforce or abide by British Standards on how many disabled parking bays they must have.

DMUK reports that 40% of supermarket customers have been forced to leave car parks because there were no suitable spaces available.

Speaking to DMUK about the importance of accessible parking bays, Dr Dhanda says, “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.”

DMUK last ran the Baywatch campaign in 2022 to help hold supermarkets accountable for the misuse of disabled bays in their carparks and highlight the challenges faced by disabled people.

This year, the campaign will focus on four key areas:

• The ongoing abuse of accessible bays, often by non-Blue Badge holders.
• Public attitudes and misconceptions about Blue Badge use, especially around non-visible disabilities.
• The lack of consistent enforcement by retailers and parking operators.
• Gaining evidence of the general challenges faced by disabled motorists by gathering real-life parking experiences.

The survey will enquire about the number of disabled bays available and any misuse encountered on each visit to the UK’s leading supermarkets – Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons, Aldi and Lidl between Monday 21st July until Friday 15th August 2025.

As the UK’s leading wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) supplier, Allied Mobility, is proud to support the Baywatch campaign alongside some of our partners such as Euans Guide, RAC and Phab.

Have Your Say!

By taking part in the survey, you will not only be helping DMUK to influence policy change, but you will also be in with a chance of winning one of two £50 M&S vouchers issued by DMUK.

Have your say and complete the My Blue Badge Matters survey here.

For more information, visit www.disabledmotoring.org/baywatch/about-baywatch.