Fresh regulations take effect today for Motability drivers - with just a 10-day window to register. The new black boxes will be fitted for all motorists leasing their first vehicle or wheelchair accessible vehicle through the Motability Scheme, plus all vehicles where a driver listed on the lease is aged under 30.
Cars will be equipped with telematics technology that monitors driving behaviour, including speed and braking patterns, generating a weekly assessment of green, amber or red. Motability says that safe motorists (those maintaining green status) could receive up to £160 annually in rewards to spend - though drivers accumulating four red assessments within a 12-month period risk being removed from the Motability scheme.
Throughout a trial phase in Northern Ireland from September, 300 vehicles were withdrawn from disabled individuals. Motability explained: "This means some drivers will have Drive Smart at the start of a new lease, while others will have it because of the age of a driver on the lease. Drive Smart is a simple way to help you stay safe on the road. We'll share helpful tips and insights, so you can feel more confident behind the wheel. You'll also be able to see how your driving improves over time.
"And there's a reward for safer driving. If you drive safely, you could earn up to £160 a year in rewards. You can spend them with popular brands like Asda, M&S and Uber Eats." However, it adds: "If you or one of your drivers achieves a red weekly driving score, we'll send you personalised advice based on your driving behaviour.
"If you or one of your drivers often get red weekly scores, your lease may be impacted and this could affect your ability to join the Scheme in the future. If you're an existing customer and all the drivers on your lease are over 30, you will not get Drive Smart, unless you've had multiple insurance claims. Even when you order your next vehicle."
The elements of driving assessed to generate the rating encompass speed, braking, overall smoothness, usage (how frequently and how far the vehicle is driven), location and even mobile phone activity - such as a smartphone connected to the car. Motability is yet to clarify how certain elements of the scheme will be applied - for instance, some users have raised concerns that those who drive after 10pm or for stretches exceeding 60 minutes without adequate rest could face penalties.
Motability has confirmed it will record and transmit a driver's precise location, direction and current speed; journey duration; braking and cornering; mobile phone usage, including phone model and ID and operating system, while driving; and device background location via network and GPS. Drive Smart is a compact device that slots into the windscreen corner. After receiving the device, which is small enough for letterbox delivery, users will get an email explaining how to register via a smartphone app. Motability has stated: "Just so you know, you've got 10 days to complete setup and start using the app."
It continues: "Connect your device to the app using Bluetooth, then invite all your drivers. Each driver will need to download and use the app too."
Motability serves as a vital lifeline for countless disabled individuals throughout the UK, offering accessible transport in return for their PIP (Personal Independence Payment). The new requirement will apply to fresh car leases from 13 April and precedes modifications to the Motability Scheme from 1 July. These changes will encompass increased tax and insurance rates that will raise expenses for customers.
'Black box' car insurance, where driving behaviour is tracked, usually reduces insurance premiums and has proven particularly attractive to younger motorists who encounter steeper insurance costs owing to their elevated risk profile.
The introduction of black boxes to Motability vehicles should help counterbalance last year's Budget - which saw the government scrap its tax exemption on Motability insurance. The scheme must now cover 12 per cent of each insurance premium, with total costs reaching approximately £300m for Motability from 1 July. The Budget also compelled Motability to withdraw 'luxury vehicles' from manufacturers such as Alfa Romeo, BMW and Mercedes from its listings. Chancellor Rachel Reeves subsequently told the House of Commons, "the Motability scheme was set up to protect the most vulnerable, not to subsidise the lease on a Mercedes-Benz."
Motability states its Drive Smart programme will help foster 'safer and more mindful driving'. Where the primary driver or a named driver is under 30, all those driving the vehicle will be required to have a black box fitted and the monitoring app installed. Motability has also confirmed that the Drive Smart app is not compatible with all smartphones, with handsets including Xiaomi, Oppo, Huawei, Honor and others that lack full Google Play services support being incompatible.
Critics contend the nationwide change will erode disabled people's independence and ability to work, while Motability maintains it is about "keeping prices down and keeping people safe". Nigel Fletcher, chief executive of the Motability Foundation, stated that the black box was about "keeping prices down and keeping people safe", adding that data had revealed younger drivers to pose the greatest risk.
Addressing the 300 drivers removed from the scheme, he highlighted that one had been caught driving at 117mph in a 30mph zone. "This a serious safety issue, not just for that individual, but everyone else in that community.
"They will get lots of warnings before they get taken off the scheme. And then if they are taken off the scheme, we will need to start looking at what our policies are around allowing them back onto the scheme in the future." Motability has also decided that every vehicle with a named driver aged 30 or under will have the device fitted - potentially including relatives, friends and personal assistants (PAs) who use the vehicle.
In addition to the black box, Motability has brought in recommendations that motorists should rest every hour and attempt to limit themselves to six trips daily. Going beyond this will trigger a red score for the motorist, although it won't impact their lease. The charity has also halved the annual mileage allowance before motorists face an excess charge.
Motorists will now be allowed to travel 10,000 miles before paying 25p on any miles driven beyond that limit. Previously, the allowance was 20,000 miles with an excess charge of 5p per mile.
Motability says its average motorists cover 7,500 miles annually and Scotland's version of the scheme was still reviewing the cap.
For more information on the changes click here.
