Disability groups want a better attitude from supermarkets

A survey finds that an increasing number of selfish motorists are hogging parking bays allocated for disabled customers.

This is in spite of awareness campaigns and measures by stores, which have described the findings as very disappointing.

Disabled people report unhelpful responses from staff over parking.

The survey of more than 800 supermarket car parks across the UK found the rate of abuse - where people park in disabled spaces without a valid badge - has risen since last year.

In more than a third of car parks belonging to Tesco, Asda, Safeway and Sainsbury disabled people could not park in a designated space because these were occupied by non-badgeholders.

Disabled people also reported a poorer response from many stores to their complaints.

Disability groups have formed what they call the "baywatch campaign" with the aim of stopping people they describe as lazy and selfish abusing parking bays reserved for disabled customers.

They say that parking when shopping is not a luxury but is a necessity for maintaining independence.

The supermarket chains have said they take the issue very seriously and that the survey findings are disappointing.