The Motability Scheme is a vital lifeline, providing independence and freedom to over 700,000 disabled people in the UK. However, the mandatory imposition of telematics ("black boxes") on specific groups of drivers—often based solely on age or vehicle type—creates an unfair and intrusive barrier to that independence.

We believe that disabled drivers should not be subjected to constant surveillance as a condition of their mobility. This petition calls on Motability Operations Ltd and its insurance partners to end the mandatory use of black boxes, ensuring that all participants in the scheme are treated with the same level of trust, dignity, and privacy.

Core Arguments for the Petition

• Infringement on Privacy and Dignity: Constant GPS and driving behavior monitoring is an invasive practice. For many disabled people who already face significant oversight in other areas of their lives, this adds an unnecessary layer of "policing" that non-disabled drivers rarely face.

• Unfair Performance Metrics: Telematics algorithms often penalize "harsh braking" or "rapid acceleration," which can occur when a driver is reacting safely to a road hazard. For those using specialized adaptations, these metrics may not accurately reflect safe driving.

• Mental Health and Anxiety: The "score-based" nature of these devices creates significant stress. The fear of a "red event" or a low score leading to a lease cancellation causes unnecessary anxiety for drivers who rely on their vehicles for essential medical appointments and daily living.

• A Two-Tier System: Currently, the scheme mandates these devices for younger drivers or those with higher-powered vehicles. This creates an inequitable system where some users are trusted by default while others must "prove" their competence every second they are behind the wheel.

Our Demands

1. End Mandatory Telematics: Remove the requirement for black boxes to be fitted as a condition of the Motability lease.

2. Optional Enrollment: Make telematics a voluntary choice, perhaps in exchange for a lower insurance excess, allowing users to opt-in if they feel it benefits them.

3. Transparent Data Usage: Provide full transparency on how current data is being used and ensure that no driver's lease is terminated based on automated algorithmic scores alone.