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 friends at Disabled Motoring UK (DMUK) are addressing this with the return of its revised Baywatch campaign this July. The campaign highlights the ongoing abuse of disabled parking bays and Blue Badge misuse in supermarket car parks, calling for greater operator accountability.
Baywatch invites disabled motorists, and those who travel with them, to complete a short survey each time they visit the supermarket between 21st July – 15th August, providing data on issues they encounter. 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.
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.
Dr Shani Dhanda, Award Winning Disability Inclusion & 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.”
At BBFI, we firmly believe that no organisation providing investigative services should operate without meeting the rigorous standards outlined in BS102000. This certification serves as a testament to our ongoing commitment to operating at the highest level of professionalism and ethical conduct and reaffirms BBFI’s position as a leader in the investigation industry; dedicated to delivering exceptional services while upholding the highest ethical standards. We are proud to have achieved this milestone and remain committed to providing our clients with unparalleled expertise and integrity in every aspect of our operations.
Survey Link and Supporting Organisations
Participants who complete the survey will be entered into a prize draw to win one of two £50 M&S gift cards, and are encouraged to complete the survey multiple times during the campaign. A link to the survey can be found here – www.surveymonkey.com/r/BDWGZTT
About BBFI
BBFI – The National Agency for Blue Badge Fraud Investigations is a dedicated organisation committed to combatting Blue Badge fraud in the United Kingdom. BBFI collaborates with government agencies and local councils to investigate and prosecute those misusing Blue Badges. Its experienced team of investigators, including retired police officers, plays a crucial role in gathering essential evidence to ensure successful prosecution in Blue Badge misuse cases. BBFI’s primary goal is to protect the rights of genuine Blue Badge holders and create a more inclusive and equitable environment for all.
