Shoppers at Britain's largest supermarkets are being urged to report the conduct of motorists using disabled parking bays, as part of an annual survey by Disabled Motoring UK (DMUK). The campaign group warns that retailers including Aldi, Lidl, Tesco, Asda, Morrisons and Sainsbury's risk losing customer loyalty and revenue if they fail to act on the issue.
Baywatch survey seeks real-world experiences
DMUK is conducting its annual Baywatch survey and asking people to share their experiences of using supermarket car parks. The organisation says there are "too many barriers" facing people with disabilities, with private car park operators often lacking "the commitment to prioritise disabled bay enforcement and accessibility improvements".
The campaign is inviting disabled motorists and those accompanying them to complete a brief survey each time they visit a supermarket, supplying data on the problems they face.
Rising demand for disabled bays
DMUK warns that demand for disabled bays is "rising sharply". The latest figures show that as of March 31, 2025, there were 3.07 million Blue Badges held in England. The badges permit those with mobility difficulties to park nearer to their destination, including in disabled bays and on certain double yellow lines, often without parking charges.
The organisation highlighted that supermarkets are currently losing £501 million a month through lack of accessibility, a figure known as the Purple Pound. With 1 in 4 people in the UK having a disability, DMUK says it should be in supermarkets' interest to avoid losing custom from disabled customers.
Campaign demands greater accountability
DMUK's campaign focuses on the ongoing abuse of accessible bays, often by non-Blue Badge holders, public attitudes and misconceptions about Blue Badge use, and the lack of consistent enforcement by retailers and parking operators. The group says it wants all disabled motorists to feel safe, confident, independent, and respected, adding: "It’s time for greater accountability in both public and private parking."
Throughout August, DMUK is urging motorists to report back on what they encounter at their local supermarket branches. The data gathered will be presented to parking operators and supermarkets, highlighting the need for prosecution and encouraging a shift in attitudes towards abuse and misuse. To participate, shoppers are asked to complete the survey during their next supermarket visit in August.
