Yesterday, a BBC News article has brought this problem into the spotlight, featuring the voices of parents across Peterborough, including our own CEO and founder, Michelle King. Michelle was interviewed to share the experiences of the families we support, and to highlight the very real risks created when disabled bays are misused or when accessible spaces are too few.

In the article, families describe situations that will be all too familiar to many in our community. Parents often arrive at schools, colleges, medical appointments or city-centre car parks only to find disabled bays blocked or misused. Some drivers park so closely that ramps cannot be lowered, forcing families to unload wheelchairs or medically fragile children on dangerous roadsides. For others, even displaying a blue badge doesn’t protect them from judgement, stares or verbal abuse.

Michelle explains in the article that something as simple as getting a child out of a car can become impossible when disabled bays are used inappropriately. This isn’t an inconvenience — it’s a safety issue. Families are left feeling vulnerable, invisible, and unprotected at moments when they should be supported.

The BBC piece also highlights how limited accessible parking is in some parts of Peterborough. With more than 2,500 spaces across council-managed car parks but only 50 disabled bays — and some car parks having none at all — families are left with significant barriers to education, healthcare, and community life.

By sharing these stories publicly, we aim to raise awareness of an issue that can, and should, be changed. Disabled spaces are not a luxury; they are essential for safety, dignity, and independence.