Motability scraps compulsory black box trackers after backlash

Drivers on, and eligible for, the Motability scheme will be relieved to hear that compulsory black box tracking has been dropped following widespread criticism from users and campaigners.

These devices used telematics data to monitor driver behaviour, but were criticised for unfairly penalising drivers with disabilities when the technology misinterpreted vehicle adaptations.

The decision marks a major U-turn from the Motability scheme, which had required some drivers to install tracking devices as part of its “Drive Smart” programme.

What has changed?

The scheme has confirmed that drivers will no longer be required to use black box tracking devices, which had been introduced for new leaseholders and drivers under the age of 30 in April.

Those already enrolled in the Motability “Drive Smart” programme will also be removed from it from 22 May.

Motability said the decision follows feedback from users who raised concerns about how the system was working in practice.

What was the Drive Smart scheme?

The “Drive Smart” programme used telematics technology – commonly known as black boxes – to monitor driving behaviour such as speed, braking and general driving style.

Drivers were given regular ratings based on a traffic light system:

• Green indicated good driving performance
• Amber signalled caution
• Red indicated poor driving behaviour

Under this rule, drivers who received multiple poor ratings over a 12-month period would risk being removed from the scheme.

Why was it criticised?

Many Motability users raised concerns about how the system worked, including claims that the app was inconsistent and did not properly account for adapted vehicles used by disabled drivers.

Others said the rules were confusing and overly restrictive, while some disabled drivers and campaigners argued the policy could have a serious impact on independence.

Critics also said the use of telematics felt intrusive, particularly given the lack of consultation and clarity over how the data would be used.

Motability’s response

Motability Operations chief executive Andrew Miller said the “Drive Smart” initiative was introduced to reduce accidents and manage insurance costs while maintaining protections for users.

However, he acknowledged the rollout fell short of expectations, saying the scheme must remain clear and easy to use, supporting the independence of disabled people who rely on it.

“We have listened carefully to customer feedback and recognise the experience was not where it needed to be,” he told Carwow. “That is why we have decided to pause Drive Smart while we work with customers to understand how it can be improved.”

Campaigners welcome decision

The changes have been welcomed by disability rights campaigners, including actor Keron Day, who has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair-accessible vehicle (WAV).

His car has a steering aid and indicators on the floor, as well as buttons for lights, wipers, gears and the handbrake.

Day, who appeared in Netflix’s Sex Education, campaigned alongside West Cornwall MP Andrew George to reverse the policy.

George congratulated Motability chief executives for “listening and being prepared to change policy when confronted with the impact the scheme has had on thousands of disabled people”.

He added that further improvements are still needed before any future version of the programme is considered.

“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,” he told the BBC.

Next steps

Motability said it will continue to review how “Drive Smart” could be improved in future and is also creating a new customer panel to give users more input into scheme decisions.

For now, however, the compulsory use of black box tracking devices has been paused, bringing relief to many affected drivers.

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