Motability has scrapped a compulsory black box rule following widespread criticism from drivers. The Motability scheme had made the installation of black boxes mandatory for new leaseholders and all drivers aged under 30—many of whom are Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) claimants—in April. However, amid concerns that the devices were inconsistent, Motability Operations, the scheme's operator, has decided to remove the requirement.
Campaigners Welcome the Decision
Actor and disability rights campaigner Keron Day was among those who responded to the changes. Day thanked Motability bosses for "recognising the seriousness of the issues for disabled people's lives." The decision came after significant backlash from users affected by the rule changes.
Motability CEO Explains the Pause
Andrew Miller, CEO of Motability, stated: "Drive Smart was introduced to help reduce accidents, improve driving and, in turn, manage insurance costs, while keeping all the scheme's insurance features in place. But we have listened carefully to customer feedback and recognise that the experience was not where it needed to be. That is why we have decided to pause Drive Smart while we work with customers to understand how it can be improved."
Criticism of Invasive Technology
George and Day had criticised Motability for imposing an "invasive telematics tracking technology" without proper consultation or adequate safeguards. George commented: "I must congratulate Motability CEOs for listening and being prepared to change policy when confronted with the impact this scheme has had on thousands of disabled people. Keron and I are keen that they make some major changes before deciding how they will better manage the difficult insurance challenges faced by the scheme."
Financial Implications
Initially, Nigel Fletcher, chief executive of the Motability Foundation, had warned that scrapping the black box requirement would be equivalent to a price rise of £1,100 for every driver on the scheme. He stated: "A lot of disabled people won't be able to afford that, so we're now having to try and work out how can we make changes to the scheme that protects pricing as much as we possibly can." Fletcher added that the black box was about "keeping prices down and keeping people safe" and that its data had identified younger drivers as the highest risk group.
