Drivers urged to respect for those with accessibility needs

BPA's Selfish Parking campaign highlights why it’s not ok to misuse a disabled parking space or Blue Badge

The British Parking Association (BPA)’s Selfish Parking campaign is highlighting why it is not okay to misuse a disabled parking space or Blue Badge.

Under the ‘It’s not OK to park where it’s not OK to park’ banner, the BPA is focusing on the misuse of disabled parking spaces and misuse of Blue Badges. The association is calling for the public to be more respectful of those with accessibility needs and with less visible or hidden disabilities.

Research by the BPA shows that the issue of selfish and anti-social parking is a major frustration for many of the public. One aspect of poor parking behaviour is the continued abuse of parking spaces designed for those with accessibility needs, as well as people using expired or invalid Blue Badges, or another person’s badge.

The campaign is supported by Disabled Motoring UK and the Welsh Government and includes posters to highlight problem parking areas, social media cards, and the hashtag #selfishparking which can be used to encourage motorists to think before they park and show respect for others

BPA members are being encouraged to actively engage with this campaign in their local areas, building to what is hoped will be a nationally consistent message that inconsiderate parking is not ok.

Dave Smith, BPA head of communications, said: “Our consumer research revealed one of the biggest frustrations people have is anti-social and inconsiderate parking. Misuse of parking bays specifically designed for those with accessibility needs and the abuse of Blue Badges by those who are not permitted to use them are ongoing concerns. Our campaign aims to educate and raise awareness of the importance of effective parking management in addressing many of the issues that impact negatively on local communities.”

Heidi Turner, communications and campaigns director at Disabled Motoring UK said the accessibility charity welcomed the BPA initiative. She said: “DMUK is pleased to support the BPA’s ‘selfish parker’ campaign and is thrilled to see a focus on disabled parking bays for this next phase. Blue Badge and disabled parking abuse is a priority for us and is the most common complaint that we hear about.

“Spreading the message about selfish parking among the general population is vital in seeing a reduction in this kind of abuse. So many see their actions when parking in a disabled bay without a Blue Badge as a ‘victimless crime’. However, to a disabled motorist being able to park in a disabled bay is vital to their independence.”