All you need to know as the new black boxes will be fitted for all drivers leasing their first vehicle through the Motability Scheme and all under 30s
Mirror
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Need to know: New 'Black Box' Rules for Motability Scheme Take Effect
- New regulations have taken effect requiring Motability drivers to install 'black box' monitoring devices, with just a 10-day window to register.
- The telematics technology will be fitted to all first-time vehicle leases, wheelchair accessible vehicles, and any car where a driver is under 30. The devices monitor driving behaviour including speed, braking patterns and mobile phone usage, generating weekly green, amber or red assessments.
- Safe drivers maintaining green status could earn up to £160 annually in rewards to spend with brands like Asda, M&S and Uber Eats.
- However, those accumulating four red assessments within 12 months risk being removed from the scheme entirely.
- During a trial in Northern Ireland, 300 vehicles were withdrawn from disabled individuals, with one driver caught doing 117mph in a 30mph zone. Nigel Fletcher, chief executive of the Motability Foundation, said the black box was about "keeping prices down and keeping people safe".
- The Drive Smart programme will record precise location data, journey duration, braking patterns and phone usage while driving. Critics argue the changes will erode disabled people's independence, while Motability insists it's necessary for safety and cost management.
- Additional changes include halving the annual mileage allowance from 20,000 to 10,000 miles before excess charges apply. The scheme now faces £300m in additional costs from July after the government scrapped tax exemptions on Motability insurance.
- READ THE FULL STORY: Motability black box rule starts today - drivers have 10 days to complete setup
