Share your views on disabled parking space abuse

- Disabled Motoring UK wants to hear people's views on abuse of disabled parking spaces.
- Survey results will help push for better enforcement from the parking industry.
- Accessibility of electric vehicle charging points also being investigated.
Charity Disabled Motoring UK (DMUK) has launched its annual Baywatch survey into abuse of disabled parking bays.
The survey follows a freedom of information request by DMUK earlier this year, which found that two-fifths of councils fail to record misuse of disabled parking bays. It questions whether local authorities are doing enough to tackle abuse of the Blue Badge scheme, as well as seeking ideas for better enforcement.
This year’s Baywatch survey also covers accessible electric vehicle (EV) charging points, in response to growing concerns among DMUK’s membership about EV charging infrastructure.
HonestJohn.co.uk and online used car marketplace heycar are supporting the campaign, which provides the charity with valuable data to take to the parking industry to encourage it to do more to support disabled customers and manage their disabled parking provisions correctly.
The Baywatch campaign also aims to change public attitudes by bringing to the attention of disabled bay abusers the impact that their actions can have.
Heidi Turner, campaigns and communications director at DMUK, said: “Disabled bay abuse is still one of the main concerns expressed to us by our members and the public.
"Our annual Baywatch campaign is an opportunity to focus the parking industry on the problems faced by disabled motorists when parking and sends the message that these bays need to be enforced and managed correctly.
"We are noticing more opinions coming forward on how disabled motorists think the scheme should be enforced and we are also keen to hear these views.”
The survey is open throughout August and you can take part here. The results will be shared later this year.
How do I report misuse of a disabled parking bay?
If you suspect someone is misusing a Blue Badge you should report it to your local authority. Typically, they will ask for information such as the vehicle registration, the vehicle details (make, model and colour), description of the driver, the date, time and location where you saw the misuse, as well as the name and serial number from the Blue Badge (visible through the windscreen when the badge is in use).
Is misuse of a Blue Badge a crime?
Yes, misuse of a Blue Badge is a criminal offence under Section 117 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. If you are prosectued you could be fined up to £1000.
Can I appeal a parking fine for not displaying my Blue Badge?

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