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What is a Radar key?
Having a Radar key allows disabled people to open thousands of locked accessible toilets all over the UK.
If you have mobility problems and plan to go on day trips or longer travels, getting one in advance is a very good idea.
Disabled toilets are commonplace, and certain premises (including restaurants) are required to have them by law. But often they are kept locked to ensure they can only be used by people who need them. This can become a problem if a member of staff is not on hand with the key when you need it.
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How to get a Radar key
The Radar National Key Scheme (which is named after The Royal Association for Disability and Rehabilitation, the now defunct charity that founded it) was designed to make sure that people needing to use disabled toilets could do so at all times.
You can order a Radar key from a number of organisations and retailers, including the Disability Rights UK website, the Blue Badge Company, Argos and Age UK. Only buy from a reputable retailer, so you can be sure the key is genuine.
They usually cost around £5, which should include the cost of delivery. If you are registered as disabled, you should be able to buy one VAT-free.
Can you get a Radar key for free?
You can, but this depends on where you live. Many local councils give them away for free or will charge a nominal amount for them.
You'll generally need to apply with some form of proof that you qualify, such as a copy of a letter from your GP or a copy of your Blue Badge if you have one.
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Do Radar keys open all disabled toilets?
Radar keys are designed to open a universal type of lock used on most disabled toilets. While they won't open every single disabled toilet, such as those in some private premises, according to Disability Rights UK they open more than 9,000 across the UK – so a substantial number.
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How to find an accessible toilet
To find out if there are any Radar toilets near your travel destination, you can use the Great British Public Toilet Map website.
Changing Places toilets offer additional equipment and facilities, over and above a standard accessible toilet. They are designed to allow people with more complex disabilities to use the toilets safely and comfortably. Use the Changing Places map to locate a toilet near you.
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Will a Radar key work abroad?
A Radar key will not work abroad, but there is a similar scheme called the Eurokey in parts of Europe.
Like a Radar key, this allows you to use accessible toilets. For more information, or to order a Eurokey, contact CBF Darmstadt, the organisation that runs the scheme. You may find it useful to use Google translate as the website is in German.
The Eurokey is considerably more expensive than a Radar key, at €23 (approximately £20).
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