Disabled Motoring UK (DMUK) is the charity that campaigns on behalf of disabled drivers, passengers and Blue Badge holders.
Tackling disabled bay abuse and improving enforcement of the Blue Badge scheme across the UK is one of the charity’s main objectives. DMUK runs a number of initiatives to try to achieve this and one of our most prominent is our Disabled Parking Accreditation (DPA). The DPA is a certified accreditation awarded to car park operators who run accessible car parks and enforce their disabled bays effectively. This means that when you enter a DPA accredited car park you can be sure that it is fully accessible. Visit www.dpaccreditation.org.uk to find an accredited car park near you.
When tackling disabled bay abuse we also think it is crucial to educate the general public about the importance of respecting the Blue Badge scheme. Throughout our Baywatch campaign we ask members of the public to complete a survey relating to the Blue Badge abuse that occurs at their local supermarket. We then contact the supermarkets to bring the problem to their attention and try to improve their enforcement practices.
All of our campaigns relating to Blue Badge Enforcement and disabled bay abuse have now become even more important following the government’s announcement that the Blue Badge eligibility criteria is going to be extended to cover those with ‘hidden disabilities’ such as dementia and autism. With the inevitable increase in Blue Badges on the horizon there needs to be a marked increase in disabled bay provision and a sizeable improvement in Blue Badge enforcement. With this in mind, we have started to advise local authorities and car park operators to ensure they make the changes required so that the integrity of the scheme continues to be upheld. So far this campaign has included contacting with both local MPs and councils and we will continue to work on this throughout the year. Disabled Motoring UK is the only charity campaigning on this issue in support of disabled motorists.
Part reducing Blue Badge abuse is ensuring Blue Badges are not getting into the wrong hands. Thefts of Blue Badges have risen by 45% in the last year. We now stock Blue Badge Protectors, a simple in-car security device that secures to your steering wheel to prevent the theft of your Blue Badge whilst in use. These can be purchased via our online shop - https://www.disabledmotoring.org/shop/shop/product/blue-badge-protector-with-clock-
or by calling 01508 489 449.
Blue Badge enforcement is just one aspect of the campaigning work we do. If you would like to be kept up-to-date on all of our work you can sign up as an online member for free by visiting www.disabledmotoring.org. Once you have registered as an online member you will receive an electronic newsletter once a month keeping you up-to-date on our current campaigns and will be able to access our members’ only area of the website. Most importantly you’ll be lending your voice to our vital campaigns.
If you want to be kept more informed you can sign up as a full member of DMUK. As well as receiving the benefits of online membership, you’ll get a monthly magazine packed full of information concerning disabled motorists and gain access to our fantastic discounts package. Full membership is £24 per year.
To find out more information about Disabled Motoring UK please visit www.disabledmotoring.org, or call 01508 489449.