Motability has introduced a new telematics system for all new drivers and those with a driver under 30 on the lease, which could result in the loss of their vehicle if driving standards are not met. The scheme, called Drive Smart, requires drivers to install a device in their car and use a smartphone app to monitor driving behaviour.
The technology tracks speed, braking, cornering, mobile phone usage, and location. Each week, drivers receive a green, amber, or red assessment. Accumulating four red weeks within 12 months, or two consecutive red weeks, can lead to removal from the Motability scheme. A trial in Northern Ireland last year saw 300 people lose their cars.
Motability has confirmed that high usage alone can trigger a red alert, but if it is the only factor, it will not affect the lease. The scheme does not impose limits on the number of journeys, duration, or time of travel. However, recommendations include resting every hour and limiting trips to six per day, though exceeding this will not impact the lease.
The annual mileage allowance has been halved from 20,000 to 10,000 miles, with an excess charge of 25p per mile beyond that. Motability states that the average driver covers 7,500 miles per year. The Drive Smart device is a wedge that sits in the windscreen paired with a phone app, not a traditional black box.
A Motability spokesperson said: 'Drive Smart does not penalise vehicle use but has been designed to use telemetry data to support and reward safer driving.' Users have 10 days to complete setup after receiving the device.
