What is a RADAR Key?

A RADAR key (also known as a National Key Scheme key or NKS key) is a universal key that opens over 10,000 locked accessible toilets across the United Kingdom. These toilets are specifically designed for disabled people, those with health conditions, and anyone who needs accessible toilet facilities.

The scheme was established by the Royal Association for Disability and Rehabilitation (now Disability Rights UK) to ensure that accessible toilets remain available for those who genuinely need them, whilst preventing misuse by the general public.

Why Are Accessible Toilets Locked?

You might wonder why accessible toilets need to be locked at all. The answer is simple: without locks, these vital facilities often become:

Storage rooms for cleaning equipment

General public toilets, leaving disabled users waiting

Targets for vandalism and antisocial behaviour

Unusable due to people leaving them in poor condition

The RADAR key scheme solves this by giving access only to those who need it most.

Who Can Get a RADAR Key?

RADAR keys are available to:

Wheelchair users

People with limited mobility

Those with conditions like Crohn's disease, colitis, or IBS

People with stomas

Anyone with a medical need for accessible facilities

Parents with young children who need Changing Places facilities

Carers accompanying disabled people

Important: You do NOT need to prove your disability to purchase a RADAR key. The scheme operates on a trust basis.

Where to Buy a RADAR Key in 2026

Online Options:

Disability Rights UK - £5.50 (official source)

Visit shop.disabilityrightsuk.org

Includes the National Key Scheme Guide

Amazon - Around £5-8

Search for "RADAR key" or "disabled toilet key"

Check reviews to ensure authenticity

Disability charity shops - Prices vary

In Person:

Many local councils provide RADAR keys (some free, some £3-5)

Some pharmacies stock them

Mobility shops

Citizens Advice bureaux

How to Use Your RADAR Key

Using your RADAR key is straightforward:

Look for the distinctive blue wheelchair symbol on toilet doors

Insert your RADAR key into the lock (usually a round, silver lock)

Turn clockwise to unlock

Lock the door from inside for privacy

When leaving, the door usually locks automatically

Pro tip: Always carry your RADAR key on your regular keyring so it's always with you when needed.

Finding RADAR Key Toilets Near Me

Finding toilets near me that accept RADAR keys is easy with Where To Wee:

Open the Where To Wee app or website

Use the "Accessible" filter

Look for toilets marked with the wheelchair symbol

Many RADAR-locked toilets are noted in our database

Our database includes over 18,000 toilets across the UK, with accessibility information for each one.

Common RADAR Key Locations

You'll find RADAR-locked accessible toilets in:

Shopping centres - Most major centres have them

Train stations - Nearly all stations nationwide

Motorway services - All major service stations

Parks and recreation areas - Many council-run facilities

Town centres - Public conveniences

Hospitals and health centres - Though these are often unlocked

Tourist attractions - Castles, museums, heritage sites

Tips for RADAR Key Users

Always carry a spare key - Keys can break or get lost at the worst times.

Check before travelling - Use Where To Wee to plan your toilet stops in advance.

Report broken facilities - If you find a broken lock or inaccessible toilet, report it through the Where To Wee app so we can update our database.

Consider a key keeper - Attach your RADAR key to a retractable key holder on your belt or bag for easy access.

RADAR Key vs Changing Places Key

It's important to note that RADAR keys do NOT open Changing Places toilets. Changing Places facilities require a separate key or are operated by attendants. We cover Changing Places toilets in our separate guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I lend my RADAR key to someone else?

Yes, if they have a genuine need for accessible facilities.

Do RADAR keys work in Scotland and Wales?

Yes, the National Key Scheme operates across the entire UK.

My key broke - what should I do?

Purchase a replacement from any of the sources mentioned above. Keys are standardised, so any genuine RADAR key will work.

Are there fake RADAR keys?

Unfortunately, yes. Always buy from reputable sources to ensure your key works properly.

Need to find accessible toilets near you right now? Use our [toilet finder map](/map) with the accessibility filter to locate RADAR-locked facilities in your area.

RADAR Key UK: Complete Guide to Accessible Toilets 2026