The new announcement from Chancellor Rachel Reeves and the Motability Scheme means that disabled people will no longer have access to premium or luxury vehicles through Motability. Brands such as BMW and Mercedes have been fully removed from the scheme, and future eligibility for higher-spec vehicles is being restricted. This decision was made without consulting disabled people, and it directly limits our freedom, independence, and choice when it comes to mobility.

The reality is that only a tiny percentage of vehicles leased under the Motability Operations Ltd scheme were premium-brand models. According to recent reports, higher-end brands such as BMW and Mercedes‑Benz made up just 5% of the scheme’s fleet of around 800,000 cars.  Further, it is estimated that 94% of the cars in the scheme are economy or mainstream brands.  Importantly, the extra payments required to access the premium models were paid by the disabled drivers themselves rather than the taxpayer, so the public purse was no worse off. The removal of these options will therefore not save the taxpayer money, but it will reduce choices for disabled people and act as a symbolic gesture to appease public optics, rather than addressing real needs.

I am a disabled woman who relies completely on the Motability scheme for my independence. Because of my disability, I cannot work and cannot save up for a car privately. My Motability vehicle is not a luxury for me. It is my only way to attend medical appointments, manage daily life, and stay connected to the outside world.

 People often forget that disabled individuals are not seeking luxury; they require comfort, reliability, and safety that these vehicles offer. We face unique challenges that necessitate specific adaptations and features in our vehicles. The decision to limit the cars disabled people can access doesn’t benefit anyone. It simply panders to ableist members of the public who use disabled people as a scapegoat for wider government funding issues. Instead of tackling genuine waste such as millions spent on failed government IT systems, unnecessary consultancy contracts, and abandoned infrastructure projects, the government is choosing to target some of the most vulnerable people in society, who rely on mobility support just to live independently.

The Motability scheme has been a lifeline for many, providing us with the tools we need to maintain a semblance of independence and dignity. By limiting our choices and removing these vehicles, it strips away that dignity and forces us into vehicles that may not cater to our specific needs.

Every disabled person should have the right to choose a vehicle that meets their personal needs without being constrained by arbitrary restrictions. There should be an assessment of individual needs and requirements, rather than a blanket decision based solely on vehicle brands.

Moreover, premium vehicles often come equipped with advanced safety features, adaptive technologies, and enhanced comfort options, which can be crucial for someone with limited mobility. Removing our ability to choose these options feels like a reduction in our quality of life and ignores our fundamental rights as individuals.

We urge policymakers and those responsible for the Motability scheme to reconsider their decision and restore these vehicle options as part of the program. We are not asking for special treatment, but simply for the ability to choose what best supports our needs.

Please sign this petition to help us protect our right to independence and dignity, and ensure that disabled people can choose vehicles that truly meet their needs and improve their quality of life.