CareCo reveals how misuse of accessible parking bays impacts on elderly and disabled people
Mobility retailer CareCo has highlighted growing concerns around access to disabled parking, following first-hand feedback from showroom customers who often find difficulty in parking in accessible bays as they try to go about their daily activities.
While many locations in the UK are thoughtfully designed with ample accessible parking in mind, the retailer found that the issue remains a daily frustration for many elderly and disabled people who wish to go about their lives independently.
In line with this advocacy, CareCo have shared new national data, which helps to illustrate the scale of this challenge. The data reveals that in 2024, more than 45,000 penalty charge notices (PCNs) were issued across the UK, for vehicles parked in accessible bays without the required valid Blue Badge.
This figure suggests that there is a staggering average of 123 instances per day where UK Blue Badge holders, the disabled, and the elderly, may be missing out on a parking space that they need.
With the average PCN costing between £70 – £130, the data suggests that UK citizens trying to park in accessible bays have paid around £3.16million in enforcement fines, showcasing the scale of instances where someone who relies on accessible parking may arrive to find no suitable space available.
The data also highlights the regional variation in the number of PCNs issued. Higher figures in some towns, such as Birmingham and the City of London, may reflect differences in enforcement activity, or higher proportions of people in need of accessible parking bays per area, being the UK’s two largest cities.
William Harrison, Founder of CareCo, commented: “CareCo want to be clear that this should be viewed as a tool for understanding access pressures, not for comparison or criticism.
“Accessible parking bays are a vital resource. When they are unavailable, those who need them most can be prevented from attending appointments, visiting shops, or living with their own vital independence.
“This high demand for accessible parking is under increased pressure, from both its misuse and its lack of availability. This becomes increasingly stressed when considering how many people who suffer from limited mobility, but do not have a blue badge, are also looking for more accessible parking – for example, those who are recovering after surgery, who face the same difficulties as blue badge holders yet cannot go about their daily lives without gentle assistance.”
CareCo contacted every council district that manages parking in the UK. We received 42 responses within the 20 working days. Using the data we received back, we put together a table which took into account each region, to compare the differences in PCNs.
CareCo is a national mobility retailer with stores across England, Scotland, and Wales. From humble beginnings to over 250,000 sq ft?of warehousing and multiple showrooms, CareCo’s mission has remained the same: to help people regain independence through life-changing mobility aids.
The retailer recently announced that it had opened its 37th showroom in the historic city of York, which was its sixth opening in 2025.
