Campaigns have demanded new age limit rules for drivers ahead of a major new update from July 1. A new Parliament petition is demanding rules around Motability's Drive Smart scheme are changed after concerns that current policies are "unfair".
The Drive Smart scheme is compulsory for all new Motability leases involving drivers under the age of 30. DriveSmart is similar to insurance black boxes, monitoring driving behaviour such as speed, braking and cornering through a device plugged into the car.
However, campaigners have stressed that the rule should be changed, stressing that only drivers under the age of 25 should be monitored.
The petition reads: "I want the government to reduce the Motability Drive Smart age to 25 and under because Motability already allows access to certain cars at 25. It's inconsistent to set 30 for Drive Smart. Aligning policies ensures fairness and equal access for all drivers.
"The government should reduce the Motability Drive Smart age to 25 and under because accident risk drops sharply after 25. It's unfair to monitor safer, more experienced drivers up to 30. This change would respect independence, save money, and align with insurance standards. It ensures black box monitoring targets those who truly need it, making the system fairer, smarter, and more efficient for everyone."
The Motability scheme is hugely popular, allowing disabled drivers to use their qualifying mobility allowances to lease a new car. However, the programme is set to adopt a series of updates from July in some of the biggest updates to the scheme.
A new mileage allowance, covering 10,000 miles a year or 30,000 over three years, will come into effect. Those exceeding the threshold will be hit with extra mileage fees, with road users paying 25p per extra mile travelled.
Motability has already tweaked the type of cars available under the scheme, with many luxury models axed. The petition has already exceeded 1,000 signatures, with 10,000 required for the Government to issue a response.
A total of 100,000 signatures is required for the issue to be debated by politicians in Parliament. The petition is set to run until the start of June, meaning road users have just over a month to consider their verdict.
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