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Motability withdraws compulsory black boxes after criticism from drivers
Motability has paused Drive Smart and will remove the compulsory black boxes for current enrollees from May 22, 2026. The boxes were made mandatory in April for new leaseholders and drivers under 30, with Motability to review the programme and form a customer panel to shape its development.
Why It Matters
The decision signals a shift in how disability mobility schemes balance safety measures with user concerns over privacy and control, potentially affecting accessibility and costs for disabled drivers.
Timeline
3 Events
May 14, 2026: Motability pauses Drive Smart and outlines changes
May 14, 2026
Motability said Drive Smart is paused while it works with customers to improve the programme, and that those enrolled will be taken off Drive Smart from 22 May 2026. The company said it would continue to review the programme and create a new customer panel to help shape its development.
May 2026: Critics Day and MP meet Motability bosses to discuss Drive Smart
May 2026
Keron Day and West Cornwall MP Andrew George met Motability bosses last week to discuss concerns about Drive Smart, criticizing the invasive telematics tracking technology and calling for safeguards in place.
April 2026: Drive Smart boxes made compulsory for new Motability leaseholders and under-30 drivers
April 2026
Motability announced in April 2026 that black boxes would be compulsory for new leaseholders and drivers aged under 30 as part of the Drive Smart programme.