RADAR keys: what they are and how to get one

Updated November 2026

A RADAR key is a large, standard key that opens accessible toilets fitted with a special lock. The locks keep these toilets clean and free for the people who need them most.

What is a RADAR key?

RADAR keys are part of the National Key Scheme (NKS). Thousands of accessible toilets across the UK, in council buildings, parks, shopping centres, stations, pubs and cafés, are fitted with the same lock, so one key opens them all.

The name comes from RADAR (the Royal Association for Disability and Rehabilitation), the charity that started the scheme. It's now run by Disability Rights UK.

Who can use one?

RADAR keys are for disabled people and people with health conditions who need to get to an accessible toilet quickly. That includes people with bowel or bladder conditions such as Crohn’s disease, colitis or IBS, and carers who help someone use the toilet.

Some councils ask for proof before they sell you a key, such as your Blue Badge or a letter from your doctor. Disability Rights UK may ask you to confirm you need one.

How to get a RADAR key

  1. Disability Rights UK. Buy one from the Disability Rights UK shop. Keys usually cost a few pounds.
  2. Your local council. Many councils sell keys, and some give them out free. Search your council’s website for “RADAR key” or call customer services.
  3. Crohn’s & Colitis UK members can ask for a free RADAR key with their membership.
Tip: buy from Disability Rights UK or your council so you get a genuine key. Cheap copies sold elsewhere online don’t always fit the locks properly.

Finding RADAR toilets

On ToiletSearch.uk, toilets known to need a RADAR key have a RADAR key label, and you can filter to show only those. We currently know of 212 RADAR key toilets, but there are many more that haven’t been labelled yet.

Found a RADAR toilet that isn’t labelled? Use Fix details on the toilet to add it, or tell us.

Show RADAR key toilets near me

Sources and further help

This guide is general information, not medical or legal advice. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.