Data reveals that Exeter is in the top 10 WORST UK cities for Blue Badge parking

A new study has revealed which UK towns and cities offer the most, and least, accessible parking for blue badge holders. Nationwide Vehicle Contracts analysed Parkopedia data for 56 car parks to calculate the percentage of accessible car parks available in each location.

Since the UK government announced that those with hidden disabilities could also apply for a blue badge back in 2019, there has been a surge in demand for disabled parking. But which cities are falling short?

Over 40% of Exeter's car parks do not have disabled spaces

Of the cities analysed, Exeter came seventh on the list of UK cities failing to offer substantial parking options for disabled motorists. Only 58% of the car parks in this area were offering accessible spaces, despite there being over 1,862 blue badge holders registered in the city.

However, it's Derby which topped the list. Only 42% of car parks (22) offered spaces for blue badge holders with 58% offering none, despite there being over 5,112 blue badge holders registered in the city. Southampton ranked second with 46% of car parks without accessible parking, while Liverpool ranked third with 44%.

The worst 20 places for accessible parking

Rank	City	% of car parks without disabled spaces	No. blue badge holders in area
1	Derby	58%	5,112
2	Southampton	46%	3,467
3	Liverpool	44%	6,362
4	Belfast	43%	4,900
5	City of London	43%	59
6	Bradford	42%	6,216
7	Exeter	42%	1,862
8	Preston	41%	2,228
9	Birmingham	39%	15,841
10	Manchester	36%	6,482
11	Nottingham	35%	3,974
12	Leicester	34%	5,546
13	Stratford-upon-Avon	33%	1,598
14	Bolton	33%	6,220
15	Norwich	32%	1,727
16	Dundee	32%	2,130
17	Hereford	32%	3,438
18	Aberdeen	30%	3,261
19	Newcastle	30%	3,945
20	Newport	29%	2,206

96% of Worcester car parks have disabled spaces, making it the most accessible place for disabled motorists

Of the places that offered more disabled parking options, Worcester topped the list. A huge 96% of the city’s car parks offer accessible spaces for blue badge holders.

Surrey Town, Epsom, came in second place with 95% of their car parks there offering accessible parking. South London’s Croydon came in third with 94% of car parks having disabled spots.

Ranked: The UK towns and cities with the most accessible parking

Rank	City	% of car parks without disabled spaces	No. blue badge holders in area
1	Worcester	4%	1,244
2	Epsom	5%	743
3	Croydon	6%	4,542
4	Reading	9%	1,804
5	Newark-on-Trent	11%	1,504
6	Bangor	11%	233
7	Truro	11%	266
8	Kingston upon Thames	12%	4,078
9	Gloucester	13%	1,830
10	Ashford	13%	1,041
11	Cardiff	13%	5,233
12	Ely	14%	144
13	Brighton	15%	4,890
14	Bromley	16%	4,373
15	Cambridge	16%	999
16	Chelmsford	17%	1,428
17	Colchester	17%	1,793
18	Lincoln	17%	1,220
19	Wolverhampton	18%	4,124
20	Ipswich	18%	1,096

Keith Hawes, Director at Nationwide Vehicle Contracts, said: “As those with hidden disabilities such as Autism, MS and mental health issues are now allowed to apply for a blue badge it is vital that towns and cities ensure there is more accessible parking available.

"Cities need to make themselves more inclusive and accessible, particularly as the high street is struggling.

"We're also likely to see more Brits hiring cars and driving to their staycation destinations this summer, as travel abroad is still limited. Towns and cities, especially those known for being UK tourist traps, should take a look at their facilities to make sure they can provide inclusive parking for all.”

To see the full study, please visit the campaign page here.