A shortage of disabled parking bays was highlighted in the survey

Capability Scotland said its survey highlighted problems including uneven pavements, bollards, limited car parking and poor toilet facilities.

Spokeswoman Kate Higgins said many urban centres were effectively "no-go areas" for disabled people.

The disability organisation has urged councils, retailers and businesses to improve services.

Capability Scotland's No Entry? mystery shopper survey involved 15 shops in towns and cities including Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dumfries, Perth, Inverness, Aberdeen and Dundee.

It would appear the needs of disabled people have been forgotten Kate Higgins Capability Scotland

About 80% of those who took part in October's survey complained of uneven pavements and of drains without covers.

Benches, bollards and advertising boards cause problems for wheelchair users and the visually impaired, the survey said.

Another cause for concern was the number of cars without disabled stickers parking in disabled parking bays.

Although every location had convenient parking nearby, respondents in all areas felt that there was a shortage of disabled parking spaces.

Capability Scotland said it was disappointed with the findings

About half of all those surveyed cited inaccessible toilet facilities as a major problem and 28% of respondents said a key was needed to use the toilet.

Ms Higgins said the charity was disappointed with the findings, despite efforts by local authorities over the past five years to make retail centres more accessible.

"It would appear the needs of disabled people have been forgotten," she said.

"This is bad news for disabled people who have the right to live independently and undertake everyday activities the rest of the population take for granted.

"But it's worse news for shops and businesses who may be losing out on the spending power of disabled consumers and their earning power as potential employees."

'Barrier-free'

Ms Higgins said many of the problems highlighted in the survey could be overcome with little effort and expense.

"For example, consideration by other motorists and tougher enforcement could minimise the misuse of disabled parking spaces," she added.

"And by engaging with disabled people at the planning stage, expensive mistakes could be avoided in future regeneration activity.

"All these changes would make a significant difference to the daily lives of disabled people. In this season of goodwill Scotland's councils, businesses and retailers should resolve to do more to make our city and town centres barrier-free."