Motability Withdraws Compulsory Black Boxes for Drivers After Public Pressure
Motability drivers will no longer be mandated to have a black box fitted to their vehicles, effective from 22 May. The scheme, which enables disabled individuals to lease vehicles by exchanging certain disability benefits, had made these telematics devices compulsory for new leaseholders and all drivers under the age of 30 since April.
Policy Reversal Follows User Criticism
Andrew Miller, Motability's chief executive, stated that the “Drive Smart” programme, designed to reduce accidents and control insurance costs, was paused due to user concerns and reported “anxiety.” Drivers cited inconsistencies with the associated application, a failure to recognise driving adaptations for disabled users, and confusing, restrictive rules and guidelines.
The black boxes were intended to track and rate driving behaviours such as speed and braking. Previously, repeated poor ratings could have led to drivers being removed from the Motability scheme entirely.
Actor and disability rights campaigner Keron Day, who uses a specially adapted vehicle, had been a prominent critic of the policy. Day, alongside West Cornwall MP Andrew George, campaigned for the reversal, meeting Motability bosses to discuss the policy’s impact on thousands of disabled people. Day praised Motability for “recognising the seriousness of the issues for disabled people’s lives.”
Miller acknowledged that customer feedback highlighted the programme was not meeting expectations. Motability plans to review and improve the scheme, collaborating with users through a new customer panel.
