Results of Baywatch 2020 revealed
Record response to this year’s Disabled Motoring UK Baywatch survey into disabled parking abuse
The Baywatch campaign is an annual survey that usually focusses on disabled parking abuse at supermarkets. However due to Covid-19 this year it asked people to reflect on all their parking experiences over the last 12 months.
Findings
Local authorities
One of the most alarming survey results was that 96% of respondents think local authorities are not doing enough to tackle Blue Badge abuse. Also, only one in five Blue Badge holders had ever been asked to have their Blue Badge inspected by an official with 96% supporting more inspections of Blue Badges. Clearly disabled motorists want to see local authorities doing more to support their parking needs. And DMUK wants to see far more Blue Badge inspections and enforcement of the on-street concession.
Supermarket parking
Over half the respondents said they find it ‘difficult’ or ‘very difficult’ to find suitable disabled parking at supermarkets. Also 87% found that disabled parking bays were either ‘often’ or ‘very often’ abused. So more needs to be done by supermarkets to support their disabled customers.
General parking
Three quarters of respondents said on everyday journeys they find it ‘difficult’ or ‘very difficult’ to find suitable disabled parking and over 80% said they ‘often’ or ‘very often’ saw disabled bays being abused.
The Impact of the Coronavirus Pandemic
Two thirds of respondents said they had seen disabled bays being removed due to Covid-19 which is of great concern to DMUK.
Dave Smith, Head of BPA Public Affairs and Communications said:
“The results of this year’s survey show that more must be done to tackle the abuse of disabled parking bays and the public’s attitudes towards disabled and accessible parking generally needs to change. The parking sector has a clear role to play in ensuring that parking spaces reserved for Blue Badge holders are managed properly so that they are not obstructed and used only by people displaying a valid disabled Blue Badge. We encourage all those who manage parking to properly enforce their disabled bays so that only genuine Blue badge holders can park there.”
For the full results see the DMUK press release