‘People assume we’re grifters’: disabled Britons report rise in abuse over blue badges
Disabled individuals in the UK are experiencing increased harassment related to their blue badges, which allow them access to accessible parking. Many report being questioned, filmed, and even assaulted by strangers who doubt their disabilities. This rise in abuse is attributed to growing anti-benefits sentiment and public suspicion surrounding the blue badge scheme.
- ▪Approximately 3 million people in the UK hold a blue badge, allowing them to park in accessible spaces.
- ▪Many badge holders have reported being verbally abused or physically intimidated by members of the public.
- ▪Research indicates that over one in five individuals with multiple sclerosis have faced questioning about their blue badge usage.
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Disabled people using accessible services have long faced harassment. Illustration: Guardian Design/AlamyView image in fullscreenDisabled people using accessible services have long faced harassment. Illustration: Guardian Design/AlamyDisability‘People assume we’re grifters’: disabled Britons report rise in abuse over blue badgesBadge holders and carers report being harassed, filmed and threatened by strangers who think they are faking disabilityFrances RyanWed 29 Apr 2026 01.00 EDTLast modified on Wed 29 Apr 2026 21.31 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleDisabled people who use blue badges to go about their daily lives have said they are being harassed, questioned and even assaulted, as anti-benefits rhetoric becomes more mainstream in the UK.About 3 million people in the UK now have a…
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