Motability Implements Strict 'Two-Week Rule' That Could Lead to Car Loss for Drivers
Motability has issued a stark warning to drivers about a new "two-week rule" that could result in them losing their vehicles. This significant change comes as the service, which leases cars to disabled individuals, rolls out advanced telematics technology for all new drivers and leases involving individuals under 30 years old.
New Black Box Technology Monitors Driving Behaviour Closely
Drivers are now required to install black boxes in their vehicles and download a corresponding smartphone app for anyone who operates the car. These devices employ sophisticated telematics to continuously monitor driving behaviour, tracking metrics such as speed, braking patterns, and cornering. Each week, the system generates an assessment categorised as green, amber, or red based on driving performance.
Under the newly confirmed rules, if a driver receives a "red" week warning and then records the same poor rating for two consecutive following weeks, they face immediate removal from the Motability scheme. Additionally, accumulating four red assessments within a 12-month period also poses a risk of expulsion. A trial conducted in Northern Ireland last year saw approximately 300 people lose their cars due to similar monitoring.
Comprehensive Data Collection and Driver Feedback
Motability has confirmed that the technology records and transmits extensive data, including a driver's precise location, direction, current speed, journey duration, braking and cornering behaviour, and mobile phone usage while driving. This includes details such as phone model, ID, and operating system, with device background location tracked via network and GPS.
The organisation advises: "Where a driver records a red week, both the customer and the relevant driver will receive feedback. If the driver continues to drive dangerously, despite the feedback, for two consecutive weeks, or four over the course of 12 months, then they may be removed from the Scheme."
Drive Smart Scheme Aims to Promote Safer Driving
Launched on April 13, the Drive Smart scheme utilises a wedge device placed on the car windscreen, paired with a phone app, rather than a traditional black box location tracker. Motability Operations, the company managing the scheme, emphasised that the initiative is designed to support and reward safer driving, not penalise vehicle use.
A spokesperson stated: "The Motability Scheme was created to keep disabled people mobile. Those using Drive Smart do not have limits placed on how many journeys they make, for how long they travel or at what time they drive. However, from industry data we know that these factors do contribute to the likelihood of an accident."
Clarifications on Usage Triggers and Mileage Changes
Motability clarified that while "high usage" in a week can trigger a red alert, there are no limits on the number of journeys. If high usage alone causes a red score, it will not impact the lease. The organisation insists that driving safely, regardless of journey frequency, duration, or timing, will not affect a customer's lease.
In addition to the monitoring system, Motability has introduced recommendations for drivers to rest every hour and attempt to limit themselves to six trips daily. Exceeding these suggestions may trigger a red score but will not impact the lease. The charity has also revised its mileage policy, reducing the annual allowance from 20,000 miles to 10,000 miles before an excess charge applies. Beyond this limit, drivers will now pay 25p per mile, compared to the previous rate of 5p per mile.
Motability notes that its average motorist covers approximately 7,500 miles annually, and the Scottish version of the scheme is still reviewing the cap. A red week is specifically triggered by persistently dangerous driving, such as extreme speeding, with isolated incidents like emergency braking not resulting in a red week on their own.
Users receive the monitoring device via letterbox delivery and must complete setup within 10 days through a smartphone app, as emphasised by Motability's instructions.
