Drivers demand Labour launches Motability rule changes ahead of new vehicle restrictions

From July, users of the Motability scheme will face tougher rules, including paying Insurance Premium Tax for the first time alongside the existing mandatory black box rules.

A new petition has urged the Government to amend the age limit, which it argued disproportionately impacts drivers over 25.

The petition detailed: "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."

The petition argued that the change would respect independence, save money, and align with insurance standards.

It has already attracted more than 1,000 signatures from Britons, who fear that without the changes, users will face additional difficulties before the summer rule changes.

If it receives more than 10,000 signatures, it will trigger a response from the Government, but if it gains 100,000, the motion will be discussed in the House of Commons.

Earlier this month, new Motability rules were confirmed, with drivers aged 30 and under having to have their cars fitted with black boxes.

The changes impacted drivers who are currently leasing their first car or Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle through the Motability scheme.

The black box monitors will assess driving behaviour, including speed, braking and smoothness, generating weekly scores of green, amber or red through a companion app called Drive Smart.

Motability shared: "Drive Smart encourages safer driving and helps build confidence behind the wheel. It’s something commonly used across the insurance industry."

Changes coming in July include a new mileage allowance of 10,000 miles a year, with 30,000 over a three-year lease and 50,000 over a five-year.

There will also be new Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle excess mileage fees, which will increase the excess mileage fee to 25p per mile, including standard rate VAT.

Meanwhile, users will also have a limited number of tyre replacements as part of their lease, which includes up to six tyres over a three-year lease, with up to four for damage-related problems.

Motability users will also have to pay EU breakdown admin fees of £22 and will need to let the RAC know when travelling outside of the UK.

The scheme has been under increasing scrutiny in the past year after reports emerged of users abusing the system to obtain luxury cars at cheaper rates.

In response, during the Autumn Budget last year, Chancellor Rachel Reeves put a stop to the loophole and began clamping down on certain privileges, including better tax rates for users.

Nigel Fletcher, chief executive of the Motability Foundation, explained that the changes will equate to a price increase of £1,100 for every driver on the scheme.