Just a brief word of warning for those who wish to join the Motability scheme for disabled drivers. I entered into such a scheme in February 2014 and paid £2700.00 to obtain a higher specification KIA Sportage on a three -year lease
I was delighted with the car and the service from RRG Bury.
A couple of weeks ago I was stopped by the Police and my car was impounded in a Manchester garage. The allegation being that my licence had expired.
This was later withdrawn due to an oversight by the DVLA and the charge dropped with a full apology by Greater Manchester Police.
As previously mentioned, the car was in a local garage so, within 48 hours of my arrest my Wife and I went to retrieve our vehicle, her with her driving documents so that she could drive home.
The garage then reported that earlier that morning a representative/s from, Motability had reclaimed my vehicle and driven it to Bristol.
We arrived home and in the mail was the most aggressive letter vaguely explaining that I had contravened some clause in the contract and that sanctions had been or would be imposed and if I did not contact them further penalties would apply.
I telephoned Motabilty immediately and explained that I was spoken to about this minor detail by two Police officers, one of whom disagreed with his colleague, stating that the section 88 document I provided was the correct paperwork and that I was wrongfully arrested, This eventually proved to be the case, but during our conversation, I put this scenario to the lady at Motability, who replied with “ That couldn’t possibly happen, the Police know what they are doing.”
The Police telephoned me to confirm there had been a mistake and I withdrew my complaint as a gesture of good will.
Yesterday, I received an invoice for the “ Recovery” of my vehicle for £540.00. This being akin to paying for your own vehicle to be stolen.
A vehicle that I have been deprived the use of, whilst still paying for since June 26th.
I have telephoned Motability and they have confirmed that they are not under any circumstances prepared to return my vehicle, and that they are expecting me to pay the £540.00 for them to have driven the car from Manchester to Bristol.
Furthermore, I am barred from applying for another vehicle for FOUR YEARS!
I’m sixty- three, and having never been convicted of any offence.
Before my Parkinson’s diagnosis I drove forty thousand miles per year throughout my forty years sales career.
Having sought some initial legal advice,I’m not sure if I should begin the small claims process against them or wait to defend the none payment of the £540.00 reclamation invoice?
Either way it’s going to cost me time and probably money, but what really annoyed me was their pompous attitude and dictatorial manner.
The lady who said the police know what they are doing, shouldn’t be allowed out on her own being that naïve
It looks to me that Motability has broken the contract, albeit due to an error, but because they broke the contract, surely you would be due compensation ( of say £540) to cover your costs, as well as a partial refund of your AP, and of course a refund of any DLA taken whilst you could not use the car.
This may seem frivolous to some, but you appear to have a good case and with a bit of goodwill from both parties there must be an amicable solution available
G