For millions of motorists, having access to a priority parking space is what makes a journey possible. Whether it is a Blue Badge holder needing extra room to safely deploy a wheelchair, or a parent navigating a busy car park with young children, dedicated bays can be a lifeline.
Yet finding an available space is becoming increasingly difficult. MoneySuperMarket’s latest research reveals that more than eight in 10 drivers (83%) believe accessible parking in the UK is currently falling short, highlighting widespread driver frustration.
To understand the impact on drivers, they surveyed 2,000 UK motorists, including Blue Badge holders and parents, to explore their experiences, challenges, and concerns around priority parking. Submitting Freedom of Information (FOI) requests to local councils across the country to analyse key local authority data, they’ve also created a Priority Parking Index, ranking the best and worst areas for accessible disabled parking.
The misuse of priority parking bays is on the rise
Drivers who rely on priority parking spaces face two overlapping challenges: a shortage of available bays and increasing misuse of the spaces that do exist. Almost three in five priority drivers (Blue Badge holders and parent drivers) say they often or always struggle to find a priority space because there simply are not enough bays available. However, availability is only part of the problem, with 63% saying they regularly struggle to park because priority spaces are being used by drivers who are not eligible to use them.
The misuse of priority parking spaces is causing stress and driving anxiety amongst those who need them
More than three-quarters (77%) of priority drivers say misuse of these bays causes them stress or frustration, while 68% worry about finding a suitable space before they even begin their journey. To manage this uncertainty, 72% avoid travelling during peak times, and 63% have avoided certain destinations altogether due to parking concerns.
Priority drivers are also losing out on hours every year trying to find a suitable space
Finding a suitable parking space is a significant time drain for priority drivers. One in five (20%) estimate that they spend a total of more than 30 minutes every month searching for an appropriate bay, while 7% lose over an hour each month driving around car parks looking for a space.
