DMUK campaigning on Blue Badges issues
Anjna Patel MBE – DMUK Trustee
Who we are
We are a national charity running on behalf of disabled motorists (drivers, passengers) and the 3 million Blue Badge holders.
We’ve been running for over 100 years.
We provide advice, advocacy, and campaign for the rights and accessibility needs of disabled motorists.
Our team
We’re a small team of employees and trustees, not forgetting our 20,000 members and supporters.
About us
Empowering Independence & Preventing Isolation
Our aim
We want home to destination to be accessible for everyone, ensuring disabled motorists can travel freely, confidently and independently.
We want to see the UK become a fully accessible and inclusive nation.
Who we work with
We work with local authorities, government bodies, Blue Badge fraud investigators, parking operators, service stations, and disability organisations.
Blue Badges Scheme
Research this year showed there are there are now 52 Blue Badge holders per each designated bay in the UK.
In March 2025 there was a 10% rise of Blue Badge holders. 4.9% of the population now hold a Blue Badge.
Statistics are from Gov.uk, Confused.com, Baywatch 2022
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Blue Badge theft has quadrupled over the past decade.
56% of disabled people find it difficult or very difficult to find suitable disabled parking.
Despite the increasing demand, very little has changed for the Blue Badge scheme over the years.
How is DMUK involved?
The power of a team’s voice
Change happens with a team effort; allies and partners are vital.
DMUK regularly networks and build on relationships with those who have the power to make change happen, and ensures it’s fully recognised of the urgency of the challenges faced.
Recent interactions relating to Blue Badges
We are working with the BBFI (Blue Badge fraud investigators) to determine new ways of working with them as they are keen advocates of reducing Blue Badge abuse.
They were very influential in the high rates of Blue Badge theft being discussed in the London Assembly this year.
In November, DMUK hosted a meeting with the Head of Blue Badge Policy at the Department for Transport (DfT) and some members of his team.
Those attended were able to discuss hands on challenges they face and what they’d like to see changed.
Each time the DfT team changes, DMUK has to start from scratch at rebuilding relationships.
Our team regularly attends and assists in meetings to discuss the Blue Badge Scheme best practice and possible solutions to challenges.
This includes the working force group held by the BPA.
Campaigning
Yearly we host the Baywatch campaign, our largest campaign. Where anyone within the UK can complete a survey each time they’re at a car park supermarket during July & August.
The campaign aims to:
In 2025, 1007 DMUK members and the general public completed the survey
Push for more consistent enforcement and meaningful policies by retailers and parking operators.
Reveal the widespread misuse and abuse of Blue Badges and the lack of monitoring.
Provide a safe environment of disabled motorists to report misuse.
Challenge public attitudes and misconceptions about Blue Badge use.
Show any improvements.
Provide insight into the challenges faced by disabled motorists through real-life parking experiences.
2025 Baywatch results revealed
87% have never had their Blue Badge inspected
93% would like their Blue Badge to be inspected
86% of the car parks surveyed had at least 1 disabled bay being misused.
You’re not alone
79% have felt judged / watched / received negative comments for using disabled bays
62% find the Blue Badge holder rights confusing to follow between different councils
75% have either had to cancel their trip or source alternative parking
Your Blue Badge matters
With 20,000 members & supporters, as well as followers on social media we invest our time in promoting any changes which may impact disabled motorists and will continue to campaign until travel is accessible for all.