A Guide To Understanding RADAR Keys
The Motability Scheme gives individuals the independence and freedom to leave the house, carry out daily errands, enjoy days out and even go on holiday.
However, sometimes, even if someone has a vehicle, there may be other issues that discourage them from venturing out.
For instance, the inability to access toilet facilities may be a worry for some.
The purpose of this guide is to highlight an important scheme that can increase an individual’s independence and eliminate any worries that they may have about being out in public places.
The National Key Scheme
Many accessible toilets in the UK are fitted with a Nicholls & Clarke (N&C) Phlexicare RADAR National Key Scheme lock.
The Royal Association for Disability and Rehabilitation, which has been renamed as Disability Rights UK, partnered with Nicholls & Clarke to create The National Key Scheme (NKS) in order to protect accessible toilets from being misused and to keep them clean.
Before this scheme was introduced back in 1981, it was difficult for people who needed to use the facilities to gain access.
The accessible toilets would be locked by the establishments, which meant people who needed to use the facilities had to ask someone to unlock them.
However, this made it a difficult process because, for instance, if the team member who had the key wasn’t on shift, no one was able to access the toilet.
Therefore, the development of the National Key Scheme gives disabled people independence and access to use accessible toilets when they are out and about.
Over 400 local authorities have implemented the scheme, and many organisations such as pubs, shopping centres, transport stations and motorway services have introduced the National Key Scheme to aid the accessibility for those who have disabilities or health conditions.
What is a RADAR key?
To be able to gain access to accessible toilets, individuals need to have a RADAR key.
This allows disabled people to unlock over 9,000 disabled toilet facilities across the country.
How to get a RADAR key
A RADAR key can be purchased online or through local authorities.
The cost of a RADAR key is approximately £4.50, but some local authorities don’t charge at all.
Furthermore, people who have a disability are able to purchase the key VAT free.
However, many unofficial websites sell RADAR keys, which are not always legitimate, so it is best to use official sources.
Click here to visit the official Disability Rights UK page, or click here to visit the official Blue Badge Company page where genuine RADAR keys can be ordered.
Who is entitled to a RADAR key?
Radar keys are for those who have disabilities or health conditions.
Remember, not all disabilities are visible.
Some who have a RADAR key may suffer from health conditions that are not obvious to the naked eye, however, they are still entitled to use accessible toilets.
The scheme is in place to give people the independence and access they need when they are travelling around.
It can also put their mind at ease, knowing that they do not need to worry about access to accessible toilets, which will boost their confidence and give them the encouragement to go out in the car to run daily errands or to explore new places.
At Bristol Street Motors, we don’t have a #motabilitymonday or #motabilitymonth, because we believe in #motabilityeveryday. That’s why we’re able to offer an award-winning service, giving you access to worry-free motoring when you need it.