Accessible toilets in the UK are usually fitted with a Nicholls & Clarke (N&C) Phlexicare RADAR National Key Scheme lock. You can use a Royal Association for Disability and Rehabilitation (RADAR) key to access these locks. In this article, independent mobility consultant Helen Dolphin MBE explains what RADAR keys are and how you can get one if you have a disability.
What is a RADAR key?
A RADAR key, also known as a National Key Scheme (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 around 400 local authorities to give people with disabilities access to locked accessible toilets.
The Royal Association for Disability and Rehabilitation, which is now Disability Rights UK, worked in partnership with Nicholls & Clarke, the inventors of the RADAR lock and together they created the National Key Scheme (NKS). The first RADAR locks were fitted in 1981 to help keep accessible toilets free and clean for people with disabilities.
Using your RADAR key
While hundreds of local authorities, public, voluntary and commercial organisations, use RADAR keys, lots of places still do not. Where this is the case, I’ve experienced people feeling embarrassed when they see me waiting to use the accessible toilet.
But, it’s worth pointing out that some people using an accessible toilet may have a less apparent disability, such as a colostomy bag, which means they need to use these toilets just as much as me.
How to find RADAR key toilet locations in the UK
You can find accessible toilets that need a RADAR key in a variety of UK locations, including train stations, shopping centres, cafes, airports, and supermarkets.
Find RADAR key toilet locations near you by using the Great British Public Toilet Map. Simply go to the filter on the left-hand side of the homepage and filter by ‘Radar key’.
How to get a RADAR key
To access a toilet with a RADAR lock, you will need a RADAR key. Most local authorities will sell or give you a RADAR key, or you can buy one online. If you do buy your RADAR key online, you’ll find lots of websites that offer them, but they may not be genuine. If you buy an unofficial RADAR key, then you cannot guarantee it will work when you need it. You can buy the official N&C Phlexicare key through Disability Rights UK or the Blue Badge Company.
If you have an older RADAR key it will be completely silver, but the new keys have a blue heart fob.
The newer style RADAR keys have a blue heart fob (© The Blue Badge Company)
Although I support the NKS initiative as I like to find a clean toilet, I do struggle to use the RADAR key myself. This is because I have no hands, so all keys are hard to turn. The new RADAR key with the blue heart fob is a lot lighter than the old-style key which was quite big and heavy but it is still difficult for me to use independently. However, N&C Phlexicare have told me that a new electronically operated door system will be introduced soon which is fantastic news and something to look out for.
How much does a RADAR key cost?
RADAR keys cost £5.40 with VAT and £4.50 without VAT. If you buy the key without VAT, then you are confirming you are eligible to claim VAT relief and that the key will be used for your personal and domestic use only.
Interested in joining the Motability Scheme?
If you’re disabled and get a qualifying mobility allowance, you can exchange this for a brand-new car, Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV), scooter or powered wheelchair, so you can enjoy more freedom and independence.
Check if you’re eligible to join the Scheme
Request a free information pack to learn more about the Scheme
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