Where in the UK are Disabled Parking Bays Best Protected? The Areas Making Accessibility a Priority

Key Takeaways: 

• Derbyshire recorded the lowest rate of disabled parking fines in the research, with 0.86 PCNs per 100,000 vehicles.

• Flintshire and South Gloucestershire also recorded relatively low rates of disabled parking PCNs.

• Disabled parking spaces can play an important role in helping people with mobility challenges maintain their independence.

• Drivers can help protect accessible parking by using disabled bays responsibly.

Table of Contents: 

1. Which UK Areas Have the Lowest Rates of Disabled Parking Fines?

2. Derbyshire Takes the Top Spot

3. Flintshire and South Gloucestershire Also Record Low Rates

4. Why Does Protecting Disabled Parking Matter?

5. What Happens When Disabled Bays Are Misused?

6. How Does London Compare?

7. How Drivers Can Help Keep Disabled Parking Spaces Available

1. Simple Ways to Help Protect Accessible Parking

8. The Bigger Picture: Accessible Parking Supports Independence

9. Methodology

10. The Numbers Matter, But The People Behind The Numbers Matter More

1. The Full Data

Which UK Areas Have the Lowest Rates of Disabled Parking Fines?

Being able to park closer to a shop, appointment, or other destination can make a significant difference when walking long distances is difficult.

To see how recorded disabled parking enforcement varies across the UK, Mobility Solutions Direct submitted Freedom of Information (FOI) requests to local authorities.

The research looked at the 2024/25 financial year and asked councils for the number of Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) issued to vehicles parked in disabled bays without authorisation. Where relevant, Code 40 and Code 87 figures were supplied separately, and these were combined.

The results were then compared against the number of licensed vehicles in each area and calculated as PCNs per 100,000 vehicles. Only councils providing complete data were included, while London boroughs were excluded from the main ranking to provide greater consistency in enforcement and reporting.

The results provide an interesting snapshot of recorded disabled parking enforcement across the areas included in the study.

It's important to note that the figures don't definitively show which areas have the least disabled parking misuse. Local enforcement and reporting practices can influence the number of PCNs recorded.

Derbyshire Takes the Top Spot

Derbyshire County Council recorded the lowest rate in the research, with 542 PCNs across 631,196 vehicles. 

That equates to just 0.86 PCNs per 100,000 vehicles.

Looking at the rate rather than simply the number of fines allows for a fairer comparison between areas of different sizes.

A larger area can naturally generate more PCNs simply because it has more vehicles. Normalising the figures provides a clearer picture of the number of recorded PCNs in relation to the size of the vehicle population.

Derbyshire’s result doesn’t necessarily mean that its parking is objectively better if misuse doesn’t occur. It simply recorded the lowest rate of PCNs in this particular dataset. 

Flintshire and South Gloucestershire Also Record Low Rates

Two further areas recorded rates of fewer than 3 PCNs per 100,000 vehicles. 

Flintshire County Council recorded 145 PCNs across 112,579 vehicles, giving a rate of 1.29 per 100,000 vehicles.

South Gloucestershire Council recorded 745 PCNs across 326, 679 vehicles, resulting in a rate of 2.28 per 100,000 vehicles.

The wider top 10 also includes Swindon, Gateshead, Stockport, the Isle of Anglesey, Wirral, Barnsley, and North Yorkshire.

This highlights the variation in recorded disabled parking enforcement between different local authorities. 

Why Does Protecting Disabled Parking Matter?

For many people, parking a few minutes further away from a shop entrance may be a minor inconvenience. For someone with limited mobility, it can be much more challenging.

Disabled parking bays, as well as larger spaces for easier access, are generally positioned closer to entrances to reduce the distance people need to walk. This can be particularly important for people who use mobility aids or experience fatigue, pain or difficulty walking for extended periods. 

Large retail parks and busy car parks can create additional challenges, with long distances, crowded walkways and limited alternative parking.

A suitable parking space can therefore help someone access the shops, attend an appointment, meet friends or simply enjoy a day out independently.

Protecting these spaces is about more than parking regulations. It’s about accessibility and independence.

What Happens When Disabled Bays Are Misused?

When someone who isn’t entitled to use a disabled parking bay occupies it, the impact can extend beyond the inconvenience of finding another parking space.

A Blue Badge holder may have to:

• Park further away from their destination.

• Walk a longer distance.

• Navigate a busy car park.

• Use mobility equipment over a greater distance.

• Decide that the journey isn't manageable.

For some people, losing access to a suitable parking space could mean abandoning their plans altogether.

This is why the idea of stopping in a disabled bay “just for a minute” can be misleading. Even a short stay can prevent someone else from using a space they genuinely need. 

How Does London Compare?

London was excluded from the main UK ranking because of differences in enforcement and reporting consistency. However, the research collected separate figures for London boroughs.

The figures show substantial variation between authorities.

• The lowest recorded London rate was in Enfield, at 2.93 PCNs per 100,000 vehicles.

• The highest recorded rate was in Waltham Forest, at 78.84 PCNs per 100,000 vehicles. 

These figures shouldn’t be interpreted as a definitive measure of parking behaviour in either area. Enforcement activity and reporting practices can influence the number of PCNs recorded. 

Instead, they demonstrate the considerable variation in recorded disabled parking enforcement between London authorities.

How Drivers Can Help Keep Disabled Parking Spaces Available

Protecting accessible parking isn’t only the responsibility of councils and enforcement teams. Drivers can also make a difference. 

Simple Ways to Help Protect Accessible Parking

Only use a disabled bay if you’re entitled to.

Leaving the space available gives someone who needs the additional accessibility a better chance of parking close to their destination.

Display a valid Blue Badge correctly where required.

If you’re travelling with a Blue Badge holder, make sure it is being used appropriately and displayed as required.

Check the signs.

Parking restrictions can vary, particularly in private car parks, so always check the signage.

Don’t assume stopping temporarily is acceptable.

A quick stop can still prevent another person from using the space.

Allow extra time when car parks are busy.

Planning can make it easier to find a suitable alternative space.

A little consideration can help ensure disabled parking spaces remain available for the people who depend on them.

The Bigger Picture: Accessible Parking Supports Independence

Accessibility isn’t only about specialist equipment or physical infrastructure. Sometimes, it starts with something as simple as being able to park close enough to a building to access it comfortably.

For people with mobility challenges, a suitable parking space can make everyday activities more achievable, whether that’s shopping, attending an appointment or meeting friends.

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Responsible parking may seem like a small action, but these small considerations can make everyday journeys more accessible. 

Methodology

Mobility Solutions Direct submitted FOI requests to local authorities asking for data on PCNs issued during the 2024/25 financial year for vehicles parked in disabled bays without authorisation.

Relevant Code 40 and Code 87 figures were combined where councils supplied them separately. The results were normalised against the number of licensed vehicles and calculated as PCNs per 100,000 vehicles.

Only councils providing complete data were included in the main analysis. London boroughs were excluded from the main ranking to maintain greater consistency in enforcement and reporting, although separate London figures were collected.

Important disclaimer: The number of PCNs recorded can be influenced by local enforcement practices, reporting and other factors. The rankings therefore show differences in recorded PCN rates rather than providing a definitive measure of disabled parking behaviour or accessibility in each area.

The Numbers Matter, But The People Behind The Numbers Matter More

The research provides an interesting snapshot of disabled parking enforcement across different parts of the UK.

Derbyshire recorded the lowest rates of PCNs in the main analysis, with Flintshire and South Gloucestershire also recording relatively low rates.

But behind the statistics are people who rely on disabled parking bays and disabled parking spaces to make everyday journeys possible.

Whether you’re using a Blue Badge to park yourself or simply sharing a car park with people who do, responsible parking can make a meaningful difference.

By avoiding parking in disabled bays when you’re not entitled to, drivers can help ensure accessible spaces remain available for those who genuinely need them.

At Mobility Solutions Direct, we believe that supporting independence means looking at the practical challenges people face every day. Accessible parking is one small but important part of making everyday journeys easier.

The Full Data

Top 10 Worst Offenders for Disabled Parking Fines

Top 10 Best Areas For Disabled Parking Fines

London angle: