AN article headed "Drink-drive disabled man jailed" (January 24) included quotes which suggested that the Motability Scheme had behaved irresponsibly by leasing a car to a customer without a valid driving licence, and that the scheme generally was an easy target for abuse.

A few facts may be helpful so that the scheme can be fairly judged by your readers.

Of the 365,000 cars on the scheme, approximately 135,000 are leased to disabled customers who do not drive but nominate others to drive for them. This includes, of course, families with disabled children.

We do not see this as "putting temptation in front of" the customer but simply as a service to those who may not be able to or wish to drive themselves.

From time to time, we become aware of uninsured driving on the scheme and we have procedures to follow up on such cases. We terminate leases where such major breaches are established.

If any reader is aware of abuses of the scheme, we would appreciate any information in confidence on 01279 632233. We act vigorously against any abuse so that the reputations of the scheme and of our customers are not tarnished by the actions of a few.

Declan O'Mahoney,

Motability,

Station Approach,

Harlow, Essex.

Updated: 09:38 Monday, February 09, 2004