What is a RADAR key?
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 disabled people.
Before RADAR locks were introduced, many establishments locked the accessible toilet themselves which meant that disabled people could only use the toilet on request. It also sometimes seemed to be the case that the key couldn’t be located by the staff member, or the person who had it wasn’t on duty that day. Fortunately, the introduction of the NKS meant disabled people could now use the toilet without having to ask someone if they could be let in.
How to get a RADAR key
In order to gain access to a toilet with a RADAR lock you will need a RADAR key. Most local authorities will sell or give you a RADAR key for free or you can buy one online. In Guernsey, you can pick up a radar key free of charge or for a refundable deposit from the following :
- The Tourist Information Centre – 01481 723552
- Health Connections – Pre Loved, Smith Street – 01481 740360 (deposit of £3 requested which is refunded upon return of the key)
- Health Connections – at the PEH hospital (deposit of £3 requested which is refunded upon return of the key)
- Guernsey Airport information desk – 01481 227766
