Your feedback would be welcomed! Motorists, cyclists or road safety advocates...

[motify]

Good afternoon all,

We're launching a web and app platform this summer, development already underway, and prior to this looking for some feedback from drivers, cyclists, motorcyclists, fleet owners/managers as well as general public.


We're going live with a Crowdfunder page on Saturday, and if anyone has time to read and feels we could add something or amend something, we'd be grateful for your feedback.

In a nutshell - if you notice an issue or concern with a mode of transport that is not yours, whether a low pressure tyre, malfunctioning lights, loose bumper or exhaust etc - which should be brought to the owner/user's attention, you can simply hop on to our platform, enter the reg details, reason for reporting, time, date, location, photo/video, additional info and send.

It's primary aim is to improve road safety worldwide and reduce incidents, accidents, fatalities, insurance claims, repair costs and more.

Businesses and organisations with fleets can register all and temporarily assign others to vehicles so both receive alerts - including hire companies.

Each subscriber receives a vehicle sticker and key fob - useful if lost to be reunited - to inform others of a way to reach you, with no personal information required.

Recipients of reports can opt to reward reporters - can use balances to spend with sector related businesses, or donate to our community partners.

We'll also be launching The Motify Foundation - info in links - to support community partners and more with funding, plus our own free vehicle and bike servicing and repairs project in deprived areas where neglect due to lack of funds could pose a risk to themselves and others.

What are your initial thoughts?

We're in positive discussions with motor insurance companies, vehicle rental companies, couriers, logistics, bus operators and more so we believe come the end of this year, we'll have a large number of users on board, but we would of course like to maximise usage.

Would you yourself find Motify useful, reassuring, and a platform to improve road safety for all?

Thank you in advance for your feedback!

Jack - Motify

 

[fisicx]

Maybe I'm being thick or something but how would this even work?

I'm hoofing up the M1 and see a car with a loose bumper. How am I supposed to note the VRN, location and take a picture?

I'm unlikely to ever download the app. Can't really see how it's going to improve road safety.

 

[motify]

Thanks for your reply - adding a photo isn't essential.

Many people may have a passenger with them, many can remember 7 digits, many will notice things when stationary, when out and about walking, in a car park, along their street...

It of course may not be able to be used in every situation you're in, but provides an option where possible to do so, which can help improve road safety. It also isn't just for the very few issues highlighted - but others who take the time to read the project page or download the info PDF will realise that.

Another user spotting a low pressure tyre of yours before you hoof it down the M1 could prevent you having a blowout and causing yourself to lose control of your vehicle.

 

[JEREMY HAWKE]

As my business is signed up to The Devon and Cornwall Police Vision Zero campaign and vehicles enjoying the service schedule of a BA Jet I certainty wont be signing us up to the unqualified assessment of those that have no understanding of road safety and the art of road craft

 

[motify]

Thank you, Jeremy.

The platform will largely reduce the need for resources from the Police. In fact, we have had progressive discussions with Police and Council Road Safety teams UK wide who are showing a keen interest in partnering with us, following our extensive research since 2020, so I wouldn't go as far as to say "unqualified".

Hopefully if ever you're out and about, in Devon and Cornwall, or further afield, if you've left your lights on, a boot or door open, or if your alarm is sounding half a mile away unbeknown to yourself, no inconvenience is caused to your day or others for not being able to be contacted within seconds.

Also, not everyone is part of what you're signed up to, and this will be worldwide - but if you're happy and reassured with what you're signed up to, that's great. We just offer something different, rewarding and community driven.

 

[JEREMY HAWKE]

Thank you, Jeremy.

The platform will largely reduce the need for resources from the Police. In fact, we have had progressive discussions with Police and Council Road Safety teams UK wide who are showing a keen interest in partnering with us, following our extensive research since 2020, so I wouldn't go as far as to say "unqualified".

Hopefully if ever you're out and about, in Devon and Cornwall, or further afield, if you've left your lights on, a boot or door open, or if your alarm is sounding half a mile away unbeknown to yourself, no inconvenience is caused to your day or others for not being able to be contacted within seconds.

Also, not everyone is part of what you're signed up to, and this will be worldwide - but if you're happy and reassured with what you're signed up to, that's great. We just offer something different, rewarding and community driven.

Oh yeh they would love that
They have even resorted to putting pensioners in villages with speed cameras here

 

[motify]

Oh yeh they would love that
They have even resorted to putting pensioners in villages with speed cameras here

If they're contributing towards safer roads, there can be no complaints!

 

[JEREMY HAWKE]

If they're contributing towards safer roads, there can be no complaints!

When a pensioner gets run over standing in the road with his radar gun doing something that he has never been trained to do

 

[motify]

When a pensioner gets run over standing in the road with his radar gun doing something that he has never been trained to do

And this is something Vision Zero has implemented...? A little ironic if so. Also, if not.

No speed cameras or radar guns with us.

 

[fisicx]

Another user spotting a low pressure tyre of yours before you hoof it down the M1 could prevent you having a blowout and causing yourself to lose control of your vehicle.

But If I don't have the app I wouldn't know it's been reported. Or even if I do have the app I'm now driving down the road and won't see the notification.

Whilst I like the idea of improving road safety, I don't think this app isn't the answer

 

[motify]

But If I don't have the app I wouldn't know it's been reported. Or even if I do have the app I'm now driving down the road and won't see the notification.

Whilst I like the idea of improving road safety, I don't think this app isn't the answer

Exactly, which is why (for just £10 max a year - less when renewing), having this app would give you additional reassurance - 2 pints, 4 coffees, 1 medium cod & chips...

If your phone sounds our unique alert tone, it can bring to your attention that you may have an issue, therefore slowing down to safely check.

We're also looking at adding in a "read out loud" feature for those driving to hear the report.

Additionally, many drivers now have dashcams - when you stop, you could possible rewind to grab a VRN if initially in motion.

Crowdfunding will go towards further development - testing phase in the late spring - so those pledging can provide feedback from 2-3 week's usage.

We're not saying it's fully ready to go, but we're building something here that will go a long way to improve road safety - not eliminate every incident.

With yours, and others' support, we together can make a big difference.

 

[fisicx]

Still not sure it's going to get any traction. Mainly because people aren't going to pay and because it's a faff to make a report.

Without massive nationwide advertising it's just not going to get any traction. And it needs to be free forever. Which means it's a bit of a loss leader. Crowdfunding won't give you the £100K need for the initial marketing splurge.

I pledge for all sorts of things on crowdfunding sites. But I donate for things I'm going to enjoy (like games and gismos). A vehicle reporting app isn't going excite anyone.

Don't like to be all doom and gloom but you need a MVP to demonstrate the concept before asking for cash. And forget worldwide. That's just never going to happen.

 

[DontAsk]

So I see a defective vehicle and send you the reg. How do you get the owners contact details to notify them? It only works for people who have registered, right?

Good luck, but I'm out.

 

[Mark T Jones]

Personally I'm actively opposed to this nosey-neighbour stuff - community speed-cameras, dash-cam reporting etc. We're turning into a nation of grasses

I see yours has positive intent, but I can guarantee that it will become used for people to continually report stuff that looks 'a bit suspect ' rather than genuine important notifications.

Where crowdfunding is concerned, the key question is where is your crowd coming from? Without the basis of a good crowd, you'll swiftly be lost in the noise

 

[motify]

Still not sure it's going to get any traction. Mainly because people aren't going to pay and because it's a faff to make a report.

Without massive nationwide advertising it's just not going to get any traction. And it needs to be free forever. Which means it's a bit of a loss leader. Crowdfunding won't give you the £100K need for the initial marketing splurge.

I pledge for all sorts of things on crowdfunding sites. But I donate for things I'm going to enjoy (like games and gismos). A vehicle reporting app isn't going excite anyone.

Don't like to be all doom and gloom but you need a MVP to demonstrate the concept before asking for cash. And forget worldwide. That's just never going to happen.

When the platform goes live, we're fine for the "marketing" splurge to include national and international print and digital media, as well as a couple of dozen community partners of ours who once live, or in the run up to, will send out information to the donors and subscribers, followers etc - 17 million+ reach combined in the UK alone - at no cost to us.

This is not a game, of course, not there for "enjoyment", but a community driven platform where those who can see the benefit, will be rewarded.

Each to their own, whether crowdfunded or not, it goes ahead, but this is for those who want to get something extra in return for a pledge, including some limited edition merch.

Worldwide will happen, but we appreciate your feedback, even if it isn't for you.

 

[motify]

Personally I'm actively opposed to this nosey-neighbour stuff - community speed-cameras, dash-cam reporting etc. We're turning into a nation of grasses

I see yours has positive intent, but I can guarantee that it will become used for people to continually report stuff that looks 'a bit suspect ' rather than genuine important notifications.

Where crowdfunding is concerned, the key question is where is your crowd coming from? Without the basis of a good crowd, you'll swiftly be lost in the noise

It's not reporting someone's vehicle to the police or local authority - direct to the owner/user - which we hope is clear, if not, please highlight where this may be misleading.

Nothing about our platform would consider anyone a "grass".

It won't be for reporting "vehicles loitering at night", speeding vehicles to the police etc.

Police nor councils receive any info, only the latter about road concerns where contractors, or their own staff, may need to inspect. All 300+ UK local authorities will have access to Motify to receive reports.

The recipient can review the report, and flag any inappropriate ones for us to look at.

Our crowdfunders will mostly be road users and road safety advocates.

We have a number who plan to pledge during the first few days to show good progress.

It's part of our strategy to build more hype, a small percentage of our total costings required and give back to a select number who back us.

It's not a crowdfunder to help fully fund thus project goes nowhere. It's already in development.

 

[thetiger2015]

Although we all want to improve road safety, I'm struggling a little with this idea.

Low tyre pressure? Most modern cars have the tyre warning symbol or a notification on the dashboard.
Lights left on? My car already tells me this, in the app on my phone. It also alerts me if a window is down or the alarm has been activated. My car is nearly 4 years old, so presume newer cars have better options.

Loose bumper? Defective lights? Anyone with those issues isn't going to be on the app, they don't care, they're driving a car with a bumper hanging off.

For those of us who are road safety aware, we maintain our vehicles already. I check my tyres every month, the vehicle is serviced every 12 months with any bulbs etc being changed where needed.

Hmm, it just needs a bit of a re-think, because you're coming at it from the point of view that everyone wants to warn everyone else about things, when in reality, I think we're all too busy with our own problems.

Perhaps it could warn people of road damage? Pot holes, flooding, dangerous roundabouts etc? Users could flag all these issues and even the council could take a look at the data and see if they can fix these safety issues for all road users? <<< maybe even the police could link your app up? If a tree is down in the road, it will flag up for all users with the problem and re-route suggestion?

 

[Paul Kelly ICHYB]

So, I have to pay £10 to have someone tell me I have low tyre pressure?

How do I get told if I am not on the platform?

I wish you well, but I can just see litigation around every corner!

 

[thetiger2015]

...oh..another one, what about if you accidentally knock someones door mirror off, when they're parked? I don't always have a pen and paper to hand, maybe this would be great for leaving someone details and they can chase it up with insurance. Instead of bothering the police?

 

[fisicx]

Perhaps it could warn people of road damage? Pot holes, flooding, dangerous roundabouts etc? Users could flag all these issues and even the council could take a look at the data and see if they can fix these safety issues for all road users? <<< maybe even the police could link your app up? If a tree is down in the road, it will flag up for all users with the problem and re-route suggestion?

Many councils already have a reporting system. This is the one for Hampshire:

https://www.hants.gov.uk/transport/highways/report-a-problem/potholes

 

[motify]

So I see a defective vehicle and send you the reg. How do you get the owners contact details to notify them? It only works for people who have registered, right?

Good luck, but I'm out.

Yes, hence why we're aiming to get many signed up.

And we have a concrete plan in place to do that, via motor insurance companies, but feedback on the platform would be appreciated.

The max £10 cost for 12 months for added reassurance, and potential to get it back with a couple of reports you get rewarded for.

Additionally, a percentage goes to a fund for community partners and charities to benefit, and ensure we have our CARmunity vehicles out and about offering free servicing, checks, repairs and training.

 

[JEREMY HAWKE]

Personally I'm actively opposed to this nosey-neighbour stuff - community speed-cameras, dash-cam reporting etc. We're turning into a nation of grasses

I see yours has positive intent, but I can guarantee that it will become used for people to continually report stuff that looks 'a bit suspect ' rather than genuine important notifications.

Where crowdfunding is concerned, the key question is where is your crowd coming from? Without the basis of a good crowd, you'll swiftly be lost in the noise

I will go a step further to say that if anybody reported my German barge and I found out I would chuck stones at their green house

 

[motify]

Many councils already have a reporting system. This is the one for Hampshire:

http://www.hants.gov.uk/transport/highways/report-a-problem/potholes

They all do, but when you're out and about, one app, all councils, far more efficient.

I just tried this...

Google > Hampshire Council report pot hole > 5 pages to get to the submission and having to add details each time to report, and having to come out of the app to take a photo, then search in folder for photo...

Motify app > Report > Road issue > everything on one "page", take photo within app > submit. Done in half the time, half the hassle.

If you're in an unfamiliar location, not sure the exact council, our GPS feature will detect the correct council by boundaries we add in.

 

[motify]

I will go a step further to say that if anybody reported my German barge and I found out I would chuck stones at their green house

No personal details are sent to the recipient unless adding them into additional information - possible for insurance purposes. But reports of abuse or misuse can be flagged.

 

[fisicx]

The max £10 cost for 12 months for added reassurance, and potential to get it back with a couple of reports you get rewarded for.

What reports? Who is paying me to report my neighbour (who doesn't like me) that his rear light isn't working.

Everything comes back to the ease of use. Anyone driving their car isn't going to report anything. Nobody walking their dog is going to report a car with a loose bumper.

I appreciate your enthusiasm for the project but the reality is I doubt you will get sufficient traction to make this effective. Especially if it's pink.

But of course we may all be wrong and it's a roaring success. I await the billboard at the M4 services asking me to download the app.

 

[motify]

...oh..another one, what about if you accidentally knock someones door mirror off, when they're parked? I don't always have a pen and paper to hand, maybe this would be great for leaving someone details and they can chase it up with insurance. Instead of bothering the police?

Thanks for your feedback.

We have over 40 issues you can report, but we can add more, many which you may not be alerted to with newer vehicles, and of course, bikes.

Additional information can be added to reports - potentially for insurance purposes - but the app should not be used as a substitute for the police where for insurance it may need reporting, but of course, a bump, mirror, something minor, we can look at sharing insurance info quickly, even with police attendance.

 

[Paul Kelly ICHYB]

There is a website called 'Fix My Street' which seems to be developing into 'Rat Out My Neighbours'. This is built on an open-source platform and used by many councils - the reporting process is reasonably short.

Very similar to Motify with potholes. Reporting a damaged car would be something else, especially if doing 70 on the M1!



.

 

[motify]

What reports? Who is paying me to report my neighbour (who doesn't like me) that his rear light isn't working.

Everything comes back to the ease of use. Anyone driving their car isn't going to report anything. Nobody walking their dog is going to report a car with a loose bumper.

I appreciate your enthusiasm for the project but the reality is I doubt you will get sufficient traction to make this effective. Especially if it's pink.

But of course we may all be wrong and it's a roaring success. I await the billboard at the M4 services asking me to download the app.

Many people leave their homes, or venture beyond their neighbour's driveway, so if they, for example, notice a window left open at night, or a possible oil leak - if you report it, the recipient may be thankful and send you something for preventing a possible break in, malfunction, or other scenario...

Won't be using billboards.

Nothing wrong with pink, white and yellow.

 

[motify]

There is a website called 'Fix My Street' which seems to be developing into 'Rat Out My Neighbours'. This is built on an open-source platform and used by many councils - the reporting process is reasonably short.

Very similar to Motify with potholes. Reporting a damaged car would be something else, especially if doing 70 on the M1!



.

It isn't just for reporting whilst in motion.

Again, no reporting vehicles to police or councils etc. No ratting out, no grassing.

Issues with vehicles and cycles DIRECT to owners/users.

Issues with roads to council/LA.

 

[motify]

So, I have to pay £10 to have someone tell me I have low tyre pressure?

How do I get told if I am not on the platform?

I wish you well, but I can just see litigation around every corner!

Nope, there are 40+ issues we currently have, more will be added, many your car may not alert you to at all depending on vehicle age/type, many which may occur when you're nowhere near your vehicle.

If you're let's say... at the beach, 5-6 hours, your car park 10 minutes away, an hour drive from home.

Your alarm goes off - will most know?
Someone spots an oil leak - you'd rather know sooner than when you return in case it impacts travelling home?

The purpose of crowdfunding is to get a little extra interest, and reward those who back us to be part of the testing phase, where they will also report feedback, suggestions etc before final changes made prior to launch.

It isn't a finished product, it's in development.

 

[WaveJumper]

Of course its going to be a ratting out and grassing up platform Never normally negative too an idea but going I am going to nail my colours to the flag pole, sorry I hate this one

 

[fisicx]

Have you posted on the various car and car club forums? You are likely to get more focused feedback.

As an aside, I tend to head out with other members of a classic car club. If we see something on another’s car we tell them. No need for an app.

 

[motify]

Of course its going to be a ratting out and grassing up platform Never normally negative too an idea but going I am going to nail my colours to the flag pole, sorry I hate this one

Can you explain how it would be a ratting out and grassing platform?

We'd be keen to know what drew you to this conclusion if only the vehicle owner/user receives reports about issues with their vehicle/bike?

Police, councils etc are not involved in this, nor is information shared with them.

Looking forward to your reply.

 

[motify]

Have you posted on the various car and car club forums? You are likely to get more focused feedback.

As an aside, I tend to head out with other members of a classic car club. If we see something on another’s car we tell them. No need for an app.

We attempted with 30+, most of which classed it as advertisement and removed posts. Likewise in FB groups etc.

 

[motify]

Have you posted on the various car and car club forums? You are likely to get more focused feedback.

As an aside, I tend to head out with other members of a classic car club. If we see something on another’s car we tell them. No need for an app.

Great when among those you know when you're all present.

But the majority of us are not part of such groups and clubs.

 

[Paul Kelly ICHYB]

if you report it, the recipient may be thankful and send you something

Issues with vehicles and cycles DIRECT to owners/users.

But how do you notify these people if they are not registered on your platform? Also, how do you identify a bike?

 

[motify]

But how do you notify these people if they are not registered on your platform? Also, how do you identify a bike?

We have a plan in place to have a very large number registered within 12 month of launch.

Re: Bikes - read the info provided in the 2 links

 

[motify]

We have a plan in place to have a very large number registered within 12 month of launch.

Re: Bikes - read the info provided in the 2 links

Apologies, the two links added in the initial post have been removed, this is why many are not understanding the platform...

Links on socials.

 

[Paul Kelly ICHYB]

We have a plan in place to have a very large number registered within 12 month of launch.

There are 41m registered vehicles on UK roads - what number is the tipping point to make the app workable?

Re: Bikes - read the info provided in the 2 links

What links?

 

[motify]

There are 41m registered vehicles on UK roads - what number is the tipping point to make the app workable?


What links?

Links were in original post, a mod must have removed them.

Goes to our crowdfunder project preview page and page with a full info PDF.

This is why I am getting questions seeming no one has read the info, and why you have asked about reporting issues to cyclists.