Quick Answer
RADAR keys open 9,000+ locked accessible toilets across the UK. Best locations: motorway services (often have Changing Places), shopping centres, train stations, and supermarkets. RADAR toilets are typically cleaner and better-maintained than standard public toilets. Key costs £4.50 from Disability Rights UK.
Best Toilets for RADAR Key Users UK 2025
Who This Guide Is For
- ✓ Anyone with a RADAR key wanting to find the best facilities
- ✓ New RADAR key holders learning where to use their key
- ✓ People considering getting a RADAR key
- ✓ Those with disabilities or medical conditions needing accessible toilets
What is a RADAR Key?
The RADAR key (also called NKS key - National Key Scheme) is a universal key that opens locked accessible toilets across the UK. The scheme was established by the Royal Association for Disability and Rehabilitation.
Key Facts
- • Opens 9,000+ toilets in UK
- • Cost: £4.50
- • Available from: Disability Rights UK
- • One key works everywhere
Who Can Get One?
- • Wheelchair users
- • People with invisible disabilities
- • Those with medical conditions (IBS, IBD, etc.)
- • Anyone needing accessible facilities
Best Locations for RADAR Key Users
🥇 Excellent RADAR Facilities
- Motorway Services (Moto, Welcome Break, Roadchef):
Large accessible toilets, most have Changing Places, 24/7 access, very clean - Major Shopping Centres (Westfield, intu, Bluewater):
Multiple RADAR toilets per site, well-maintained, often have Changing Places - Major Train Stations:
Free access with RADAR (bypasses 30-50p charge), Changing Places at many - Airports:
Excellent accessible facilities, Changing Places at all major airports
🥈 Very Good RADAR Facilities
- Large Supermarkets (Tesco Extra, Sainsbury's, Asda):
Usually have RADAR accessible toilets, near entrance, clean - Department Stores (John Lewis, M&S):
High-quality accessible facilities, often RADAR locked - Hospitals:
Multiple RADAR toilets, including Changing Places at most - Libraries and Civic Buildings:
Usually have RADAR toilets, well-maintained
🥉 Good RADAR Facilities
- Council Public Toilets:
Many have RADAR locks, quality varies, some closed - Parks and Recreation Areas:
Often have RADAR accessible toilets, seasonal hours apply - Leisure Centres:
Usually have RADAR toilets, accessed during opening hours
Why RADAR Toilets Are Usually Better
Advantages
- ✅ Cleaner: Less foot traffic = less mess
- ✅ Less vandalism: Lock deters damage
- ✅ More space: Built to accessible standards
- ✅ Better equipped: Grab rails, emergency cords
- ✅ More privacy: Single-occupancy cubicles
- ✅ Free at paid venues: Bypass charges at stations
Features You'll Find
- ✅ Grab rails on both sides of toilet
- ✅ Emergency pull cord
- ✅ Minimum 1500mm turning circle
- ✅ Accessible sink height
- ✅ Mirror at seated and standing height
- ✅ Wide door (usually 900mm+)
RADAR Toilet Etiquette
As a RADAR key holder, you're part of a community that respects and maintains these facilities:
- ✓ Lock the door behind you: Keep it secure for the next person
- ✓ Leave it clean: Leave the toilet as you'd want to find it
- ✓ Report problems: Tell venue staff if something is broken
- ✓ Don't share your key: Keys are personal to registered users
- ✓ Be patient: If occupied, the person may need more time
How to Find RADAR Toilets
🔍 Look For
- • Blue wheelchair symbol signs
- • "RADAR" or "NKS" logos on doors
- • Lock symbol indicating key required
- • "Accessible toilet" signage
📱 Digital Tools
- • ToiletNearMe: Shows RADAR toilets
- • Great British Public Toilet Map: Filter by RADAR
- • Changing Places: All use RADAR locks
- • AccessAble: Detailed accessibility info
Don't Have a RADAR Key Yet?
If you need accessible toilet facilities, getting a RADAR key is highly recommended:
How to Get Your RADAR Key
- Visit disabilityrightsuk.org
- Purchase key for £4.50 (+ postage)
- Anyone with a disability or medical condition can buy one
- Key arrives by post within a few days
Who qualifies? Anyone with a disability or medical condition requiring accessible toilet facilities. This includes invisible disabilities (IBS, Crohn's, stomas), mobility issues, and any condition requiring urgent or accessible toilet access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I use my RADAR key?
At over 9,000 locked accessible toilets across the UK. You'll find them in shopping centres, train stations, motorway services, supermarkets, public buildings, parks, and many other locations. Look for the RADAR/NKS logo.
Are RADAR toilets cleaner than standard toilets?
Generally yes. Because they're locked, RADAR toilets experience less vandalism and are used by fewer people, so they tend to be cleaner and better maintained. However, quality still varies by location.
Can I use RADAR toilets without a visible disability?
Yes. RADAR keys are for anyone with a disability or medical condition, including invisible disabilities like IBS, Crohn's, bladder conditions, and stomas. You don't need to justify your use of the key to anyone.
What if my RADAR key doesn't work?
Occasionally locks malfunction. Ask venue staff for assistance - they usually have a master key. If a lock is consistently broken, report it to the venue so they can fix it.
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