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Baywatch tackles abuse of disabled parking

DMUK annual review of Blue Badge parking bay takes place in August

Mark Moran
09 July 2021

 

Blue Badge holders are being asked to share their experiences of parking during the pandemic in a survey run by the charity Disabled Motoring UK (DMUK).

DMUK’s annual Baywatch campaign gathers opinions about disabled parking abuse, with a particular emphasis on parking at supermarkets.

The survey provides the charity with data it can take to the parking industry to encourage it to do more to support disabled customers and manage disabled parking provisions correctly.

The Baywatch campaign also aims to change public attitudes by raising awareness of the detrimental impact of bay abuse.

This year’s survey will run during August. While in past years the survey was based on observations made in car parks, this year DMUK members can complete the survey without leaving their home. DMUK is asking members think back over the last 12 months to consider their general parking experience and answer some questions about their experience at supermarkets and at other car parks.

Graham Footer, chief executive of DMUK, said: “As disabled bay abuse is still one of the main concerns expressed to us by our members and the public, we feel the Baywatch campaign needs to continue in order push to the message that these bays need to be enforced.

“We have decided to use the same survey format as 2020 because, unfortunately, the pandemic is still not fully behind us, and we would like everyone to feel safe when taking part.

“With the results of this survey, we hope to continue informing the parking sector of these common experiences of disabled bay abuse, making them aware of the significant impact it can have on Blue Badge holders when they are not able to access services in the way they should due to the inconsiderate parking of others.”

The Baywatch campaign is supported by Paralympian Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson. She said: “It is a shame that this type of disabled bay abuse is still happening, but it is reassuring to know that the charity Disabled Motoring UK is still working hard to make it so enforcing these bays happens everywhere including supermarkets and council car parks.

“It is disappointing to see that these large companies and organisation are still not willing to implement appropriate enforcement practices to ensure this issue does not keep occurring. Hopefully with the continuing work of Disabled Motoring UK and the publics participation in the Baywatch campaign these obstacles can decline and eventually become a thing of the past.”

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