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<\/p>\nA test in Northern Ireland saw 300 vehicles taken from the disabled – one was recorded doing 117mph in a 30mph zone<\/p>\n
14:06, 02 Apr 2026Updated 15:28, 02 Apr 2026<\/p>\n
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More than four red ratings over 12 months could see drivers removed from the Motability scheme and the car seized(Image: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
Motability users have been informed about new mandatory changes taking effect from April 13 for drivers. Newly leased vehicles will be equipped with telematics devices that will track driving behaviour, including speed and braking patterns, and will generate a weekly performance score.<\/p>\n
Receiving more than four red ratings within a 12-month period could result in drivers being removed from the Motability scheme, which enables eligible disabled people to lease a new car using a portion of their benefit payments. The new requirement will apply to all new first time leases, all customers aged under 30 and any which have a named driver under 30.<\/p>\n
During a trial period in Northern Ireland from September, 300 vehicles were withdrawn from disabled people. Motability stated: “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.<\/p>\n
“And there’s a reward for safer driving. If you drive safely, you could earn up to \u00a3160 a year in rewards. You can spend them with popular brands like Asda, MandS 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.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
Critics argue the UK-wide change will undermine disabled people’s independence and capacity to work, while Motability insists it is about “keeping prices down and keeping people safe”. The organisation says it has removed 300 drivers since a pilot scheme launched in Northern Ireland in September.<\/p>\n
The development coincides with tax changes taking effect from July. Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced in her Budget in November that VAT will apply to Advance Payments, and Insurance Premium Tax will apply to Scheme leases. Motability has confirmed that the tax changes mean the average Advance Payment (upfront cost) of a vehicle will rise by approximately \u00a3400.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Regarding the 300 drivers removed from the scheme, he noted that one had been recorded travelling at 117mph in a 30mph zone. “This a serious safety issue, not just for that individual, but everyone else in that community.<\/p>\n
“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 determined that every vehicle with a named driver aged 30 or under will have the device installed – potentially including family members, friends and personal assistants (PAs) who operate the vehicle.<\/p>\n
Alongside the black box, Motability has introduced guidance that drivers should take a break every hour and try not to exceed six journeys daily. Exceeding this will result in a red score for the driver, though it won’t affect their lease.<\/p>\n
The organisation has also cut in half the annual mileage allowance before drivers incur an excess charge.<\/p>\n
Drivers will now be permitted to travel 10,000 miles before paying 25p on any miles driven beyond that threshold. Previously, the allowance stood at 20,000 miles with an excess charge of 5p per mile.<\/p>\n
Motability states its average drivers cover 7,500 miles annually and Scotland’s version of the scheme was still reviewing the cap.<\/p>\n