Motability Pauses Mandatory Black Boxes for Under-30 Drivers, Ending Scheme on May 22
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · May 14
Motability Pauses Mandatory Black Boxes for Under-30 Drivers, Ending Scheme on May 22
8 articles · Updated · BBC.com · May 14
Motability will remove enrolled users from its compulsory Drive Smart telematics program on May 22, reversing an April rule that required black boxes for new leaseholders and all drivers under 30.
Andrew Miller said the scheme was paused after users reported anxiety, inconsistent app scoring, poor recognition of adapted driving methods, and confusing restrictions.
Drive Smart tracked speed and braking through weekly traffic-light ratings; more than four red scores in 12 months could have led to a driver being removed from the Motability scheme.
Keron Day and MP Andrew George had pressed Motability to scrap what they called invasive tracking without proper consultation, saying the policy affected thousands of disabled people.
Motability said it still wants to cut accidents and control insurance costs, but will now review the program with customers and set up a new user panel.
With its black box scheme gone, how will Motability protect drivers' independence from soaring costs and new surveillance?
Can technology ever fairly monitor disabled drivers, or will algorithmic bias always penalize those with adaptations?