Yes, buying a RADAR key is highly recommended for anyone with a disability, mobility issue, or hidden condition, as it provides independent access to over 14,000 locked, accessible toilets across the UK. At a cost of roughly £5, it offers convenience, privacy, and avoids having to find staff to unlock doors.
Buying your own Radar key gives you independent access to over 9,000 disabled public toilets around the UK. We kindly ask you not to buy cheap copies that may not work or from any company or private seller which uses the Radar name or Disability Rights UK logo to cash in on the scheme.
You can get a RADAR key for free or cheap through your local council by proving your disability (e.g., Blue Badge, doctor's note), or sometimes through charities like Crohn's & Colitis UK for members; otherwise, you buy them from Disability Rights UK or other vendors, often with VAT relief if you're eligible for disability benefits. The NHS doesn't directly provide them, but your GP can provide the necessary medical proof.
The RADAR Key Scheme is the availability of a skeleton key which enables keyholders to have access to an Accessible Public Toilet after opening hours. The need to have a RADAR Key is to ensure that the toilet is not used inappropriately and that it is kept in a suitable state.
A RADAR key, also known as an NKS key, is a blue and silver-coloured key that opens more than 10,000 disabled toilets across the UK. RADAR keys are used by approximately 400 local authorities to allow disabled people access to locked, accessible toilets.
The radar sensor has a limited field of vision. In some situations, it may detect a vehicle later than expected or not at all. The radar sensor's detection of vehicles very close to your vehicle may be delayed in certain situations, e.g. if a vehicle pulls in between your vehicle and the vehicle directly ahead.
Ultimately, if you're getting your disabled toilet key from your local council, it is down to them and the proof you provide, however, you should be able to retrieve one through this method if you're suffering from IBS.
Can people with ulcerative colitis use disabled toilets?
Anyone with an invisible disability, including people with Crohn's or Colitis, should have the confidence to use accessible toilets free from challenge or discrimination.
You can also purchase RADAR keys through some chemists and online. For further information see our Accessible Toilets information guide or the Disability Rights UK website.
Consider options such as a travel urinal, portable commode, or bedpan, which allow you to go to the bathroom even in inaccessible areas or if you cannot locate a bathroom in time.
Aside from a potentially high price, the only real drawbacks of installing a smart toilet are related to installing it and powering it. Because many smart toilets need to be connected to a power line, setting it up may cost more and take longer than setting up a standard toilet.
If you're in this position, you might want to seek advice or find examples of what adjustments will help you. Some people with IBS may also be able to claim Personal Independence Payments (PIP) if they've: Had issues with daily living or getting around for three months.
Having incontinence issues will not necessarily mean you can get AA or DLA, but you may be eligible if you need help with tasks such as getting to and from and using the toilet, changing your continence pads, or you need to be reminded to go to the toilet.
Is it illegal to refuse to let someone go to the toilet?
Yes, in many situations, it can be illegal or lead to legal issues to deny someone toilet access, especially at work where it's a health and safety violation and a potential discrimination claim under laws like the UK's Equality Act 2010, requiring reasonable adjustments for disabilities/health needs. For the general public, laws vary; private businesses (like shops) aren't always required to provide toilets, but refusing disabled individuals or denying basic sanitation can break laws, and schools must respect children's dignity and health, making blanket bans problematic.
The primary purpose of the National Disability Card is to show others that you are disabled. The card is also accepted at 600+ locations as proof of eligibility for concessions or carer tickets. Plus as a card holder you can access hundreds of online discounts from our partner brands.
In which businesses is there an obligation to provide a disabled toilet? Businesses that offer food and beverages and have an area of 250 square metres or more must also have a disabled toilet. This is stipulated in Act 104, also known as the Disabled Persons Framework Act.
For those in the UK looking to obtain a RADAR key, there's good news! Boots, a well-known pharmacy chain, now sells RADAR keys for just £4.20. You can conveniently purchase it in-store, thus avoiding delivery fees. Alternatively, you have the option to order it online if that works better for you.
Four specific areas are considered: (i) variability of target strength and target definition, (ii) the limitations of m.t.i. for wind-blown rain and sea, (iii) the choice of wavelength in marine shipborne systems, (iv) limitations of high spatial resolution in sea clutter.
Twenty to 39% of the radar workers reported different problems such as needing a good tonic, feeling run down and out of sorts, headache, tightness or pressure in the head, insomnia, getting edgy and bad-tempered.
