I live in a rural county, and it's 17 miles to the nearest hospital or major town. Without a bus stop or reliable public transportation, the recent decision by Motability to halve the allowed mileage from 60,000 miles to 30,000 miles over three years is deeply concerning and impractical for disabled individuals like me. This change forces us to either limit our essential travels or pay 25p per additional mile, which could create significant financial strain.

The Motability scheme is a lifeline for many disabled people, enabling independence and access to vital services, care, and support. However, this drastic cut in allowable mileage could jeopardise our ability to attend necessary medical appointments, visit specialist clinics, or manage everyday tasks like grocery shopping.

This issue becomes even more acute for those living in rural areas where distances to healthcare facilities or essential shops are much greater than in urban settings. With limited public transport options, we rely heavily on our vehicles to maintain our independence, dignity, and quality of life.

Moreover, this decision comes at a time when other associated costs, including increased advance payments, add to the financial burden on disabled individuals. For many, the increased costs are simply unaffordable, risking isolation and exacerbating existing health conditions due to delayed medical care.

We urge Motability to reconsider this policy change. We propose maintaining the 60,000-mile allowance over three years to ensure that all scheme users can continue to lead active, healthy, and connected lives.

Please sign this petition to support disabled individuals across the UK and ensure we do not face further mobility restrictions and financial hardships due to this decision. Together, we can make a difference and advocate for fairer and more considerate policies within the Motability scheme.