‘People assume we’re grifters’: disabled Britons report rise in abuse over blue badges
Summary
Disabled people in the UK who use blue badges for accessible parking report more cases of harassment and abuse from the public. Many badge holders say strangers question their disabilities, verbally abuse them, film them without permission, or even threaten them physically.Key Facts
- About 3 million people in the UK have blue badges, which allow parking in accessible spaces.
- Some people worry about misuse of blue badges, including fake or stolen badges.
- The AA supports cracking down on fake blue badges, while some newspapers name people caught abusing the system.
- Many disabled people report being accused of faking their disability and facing verbal or physical abuse.
- Examples include being blocked in by angry strangers, having mobility aids taken, or being filmed without consent.
- Research shows over 20% of people with multiple sclerosis in the UK have been questioned about their blue badge use.
- Younger-looking disabled people often face more suspicion and hostility.
- Families with disabled children say public hostility makes it harder to go out in public.
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