Whether you decide to take your own car; or you hire a vehicle when you arrive in England, you will be able to traverse the country safe in the knowledge that if you are displaying a Sunflower vehicle sticker or magnet - National Highways England will ask what support you may need to help keep you safe if your vehicle has broken down or you require assistance on the roadside.
We teamed up with National Highways, who manage England’s motorways and major A-roads, to create a free Sunflower for your vehicle. This Sunflower discreetly indicates that you, or someone in your vehicle has an impairment and may need additional support. In many ways someone’s impairment is always invisible when they're in a vehicle. So anyone with an impairment, hidden or visible, can display the Sunflower on their vehicle.
How will the Sunflower help road users in England
The Sunflower will indicate to roadside and emergency services in England that you or someone in your vehicle has an impairment which may not be visible.
National Highways traffic officers are often first on scene in an emergency on England's motorways and major A-roads. Displaying the Sunflower sticker or magnet on the rear of your vehicle will indicate to traffic officers that you or someone in your vehicle has a non-visible disability. When a National Highways traffic officer sees the Sunflower on your vehicle, they’ll ask about what support you may need to help keep you safe.
They'll always:
Ask how they can help
Listen closely to what you tell them
Be kind and patient
Not judge, and treat you with respect
Displaying the Sunflower on your vehicle could mean you may need additional support with:
Understanding instructions and communicating your needs
Staying calm at a time of stress
Getting to a place of safety
Moving and recovering an adapted vehicle
Frequently asked questions
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Where should I display the Sunflower on my vehicle?
Display the Sunflower on the rear of your vehicle where it can be easily seen, in a position where it won’t obscure your view.
The Sunflower sticker is designed to last at least three years. It is designed to be applied to your vehicles rear window. It can be removed by applying a 70% alcohol solution (such as hand sanitiser). If applied to your vehicles bodywork it may cause colour discolouration.
The Sunflower magnet attaches to your vehicles bodywork and you can choose to place it on your vehicle when you set off and remove it for safekeeping at the end of your journey.
Do I need to display the Sunflower on my vehicle?
No, you can choose whether to display the Sunflower on your vehicle. Having the Sunflower displayed on your vehicle will prompt National Highways traffic officers to ask you about your needs if you get into trouble on a motorway or major A-road in England.
Who can display a Sunflower on their vehicle?
Anyone with an impairment, invisible or visible, who may need additional support if they break down or need assistance on the motorway or major A-road in England.
Do you have to show evidence of an impairment to qualify for a Sunflower?
There are no requirements to show evidence of disability or any qualifying criteria.
Will traffic officers tell anyone else about my Sunflower?
With your consent, National Highways traffic officers will make sure that others on the scene are also aware of any additional support you may need. This could include the emergency and breakdown providers.
Will people from other organisations who work on National Highways roads know what the Sunflower is for?
National Highways work hand-in-hand with recovery operators and emergency services when managing incidents on England's motorways and major A-roads. We're working with these organisations to raise awareness to the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower for vehicles, what it's for and what is signifies and the vehicle's occupants.
Will my Sunflower be recognised on other roads not operated by National Highways?
National Highways traffic officers have received training on what the Sunflower is for, what it signifies and the vehicle's occupants, and how to respond. While other road operators may be aware of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, they may have not received the training yet.
How are National Highways helping Sunflower wearers?
If you are keen to find out more about how National Highways are helping Sunflower wearers, visit the National Highways website here.