A new survey from Disabled Motoring UK aims to tackle the ongoing misuse of disabled parking bays and Blue Badges that people face when parking at six major supermarket chains
Supermarket shoppers are being encouraged to keep an eye out for misuse of Blue Badge parking bays. Disabled Motoring UK (DMUK) has launched a survey, urging Blue Badge holders and their companions to report any drivers they spot occupying these spaces without displaying a valid Blue Badge.
The initiative is part of a campaign to combat the ongoing abuse of disabled parking bays and Blue Badges at six major supermarket chains, including Asda, Aldi, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Tesco and Lidl.
The DMUK’s Baywatch campaign invites Blue Badge holders to note the number of disabled bays in use at these supermarkets and how many of these are not showing a valid Blue Badge. It comes as a man claimed ‘I work at Tesco and there’s one thing I hate doing for customers’.
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As part of the initiative, Blue Badge holders are also asked to report whether supermarkets provide EV charging bays, if any of the disabled bays offer EV charging and if these bays are conveniently located near the supermarket. The data collection for the survey ran from July 21 to August 15, with the results set to be unveiled later this August.
A previous survey conducted in 2024 revealed that nearly half (40%) of disabled drivers have had to abandon supermarket car parks due to a lack of available suitable spaces, while another 36% reported non-badge holders taking up accessible bays.
Furthermore, DMUK’s data indicated that an additional 40% of disabled individuals claim they cannot park at local supermarkets because they are inaccessible.
Nearly three million Blue Badge holders exist across the UK, with demand for accessible parking spaces surging rapidly. England witnessed a 10% increase in Blue Badge holders last year alone, meaning there are now roughly 52 Blue Badge holders competing for every accessible parking space, reports the Express.
Award-winning Disability Inclusion & Accessibility Specialist Dr Shani Dhanda explained: “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.”
That said, disabled parking permit holders are also required to comply with the Highway Code and local traffic regulations. Even where parking is technically allowed, Blue Badge holders must not park where it would cause an obstruction or danger to other road users or pedestrians.
This includes blocking driveways, emergency access points, or parking on pavements unless specifically permitted.