Disabled drivers have issued a warning that they face a growing access crisis after Labour's reforms to the critical Motability scheme.
New research suggests that 92 per cent of disabled people rely on driving for everyday life, despite growing concerns around the accessibility and cost of motoring.
The most commonly referenced driving benefits for disabled people include maintaining independence, accessing healthcare and staying connected to family and work.
Despite this, more than two-thirds of eligible drivers do not use Motability, with many citing concerns around costs and fears around the perception of the scheme.
Of the 500 disabled drivers surveyed by Carwow, only 59 per cent were eligible for the scheme in the first place.
Siobhan Doyle, consumer writer at Carwow, said: "Motability is often viewed as a 'free car' scheme, with a wide choice of vehicles, but the reality is very different."
Of the disabled people who are eligible for Motability, just a third have a car through the scheme, which is just 19 per cent overall.
Those who own a Motability vehicle still face difficulties when using their vehicles, with specific concerns around road infrastructure.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is overseeing changes to the Motability scheme, despite concerns
|PA
More than half said they dealt with inaccessible parking and road layouts, while a quarter said they dealt with difficulties at chargers and filling stations.
There have recently been calls for new regulations to be introduced to ensure drivers with disabilities do not face additional difficulties.
Measures include wider parking spaces, in addition to greater spaces in between charging stations, with enough space for a wheelchair to suitably manoeuvre.
However, changes to the Motability scheme launching in July could have a disastrous impact on motorists who already struggle to stay behind the wheel.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
The Motability scheme allows drivers with disabilities to access vehicles at a cheaper rate | MOTABILITYFrom July 1, mileage allowances will be reduced to 30,000 miles over three years, higher excess mileage charges (25p per mile) and tighter cost limits for new customers.
The changes are designed to support the sustainability of the scheme in the future, although many fear that disabled drivers will be priced out of the scheme.
Tracy, a disabled driver, said she was "extremely worried" about the changes, especially as she needs a larger boot for her mobility scooter, with few options available.
Similarly, Annie said: "I am worried I’ll have to opt for a vehicle that isn’t right for me and consequently I’ll end up only going out when I absolutely have to."
New changes to the Motability scheme will be introduced on July 1
| MOTABILITYFears around infrastructure also apply to those wanting to switch to electric vehicles, with 26 per cent saying accessible chargers are a concern before they switch.
Ms Doyle highlighted that driving was "essential" for motorists as many already struggle with rising costs, limited vehicle choices and poor accessibility.
She said: "More broadly, this points to a widening gap between what disabled drivers need and what the current system delivers, particularly as costs increase and the shift to electric vehicles creates new accessibility hurdles.
"Without greater focus from policymakers and manufacturers on affordability, vehicle design and infrastructure, there's a danger that access to mobility - and the independence it enables - will become even more limited."