Disability Action Northern Ireland has criticised the Motability Scheme's Drive Smart telematics rollout for drivers under 30, arguing it overlooks needs of disabled motorists. The system tracks acceleration, braking and cornering to assign weekly scores. Four red scores within 12 months can lead to lease termination. All named drivers on affected leases face monitoring.

Nuala Toman, head of policy at Disability Action Northern Ireland, highlighted risks to users reliant on frequent short journeys for medical visits, shopping and socialising. She noted students at Queen's University Belfast might trigger flags by driving between classes across South Belfast. Toman also flagged potential data sharing concerns amid ongoing debates over Personal Independence Payment eligibility, urging safeguards against misuse in benefit assessments.

Toman pointed to smoothness scores as problematic for drivers with spasms, tremors, fatigue or hand controls, calling for equality impact assessments and co-design with disabled people. The Motability Scheme, which leases adapted vehicles to recipients of disability benefits, began the rollout in September 2025 to curb accidents and insurance costs.

Eva Hanna, a wheelchair user from Ballynahinch in County Down, reported challenges with hand controls triggering hard acceleration or braking alerts on her new vehicle. She described needing multiple daily trips for essentials like prescriptions and GP visits, plus long commutes inaccessible by public transport.

Andy Broadfield, managing director of electric and insurance at Motability Operations, stated the technology targets driving behaviour to enhance safety without tracking locations. He emphasised proportionate data use, individual scoring for accountability and reviews before lease actions. The firm provides vehicle adaptations and training, noting most users avoid penalties through normal driving.