More than 4,000 drivers in the UK have been allowed to keep their licences despite accumulating 12 or more penalty points for speeding, with some drivers racking up over 30 points, according to data obtained by the RAC.
Drivers with excessive points avoid bans
Under the totting up process, motorists normally face a driving ban once they reach 12 penalty points. However, magistrates have the discretion to allow drivers to keep their licences, often citing the need for a car for work or family reasons. This has resulted in thousands of repeat speeders remaining on the roads.
The RAC data reveals extreme cases, including 101 drivers with between 20 and 29 points and 14 drivers with between 30 and 39 points. Despite multiple speeding offences, these individuals have been permitted to continue driving.
Public support for speed-limiting devices
The RAC reports that 8 in 10 drivers surveyed support proposals requiring repeat or excessive speeders to have an 'Intervening Intelligent Speed Assistance' (ISA) device fitted to their vehicles. Such a device would prevent the car from exceeding the speed limit.
Simon Williams, RAC head of policy, said: “It’s very concerning that so many repeat speeders have been allowed to carry on driving despite amassing 12 points or more which would normally lead to them losing their licences – and for very good reason given that speeding is one of the leading factors in the most serious collisions on our roads.
“A better solution for people like this who have demonstrated a compelling need to the court to be allowed to continue driving would be for them to have devices fitted to their vehicles that prevent them speeding again. Our research also identifies strong support among drivers for those who speed excessively to have to have these devices.”
Call for government action
The RAC is urging the government to consider giving courts the power to order repeat and excessive speeders to have Intervening ISA devices fitted to all their vehicles. Williams added: “This will save lives and reduce the number of speed-related collisions on our roads – something which completely aligns with the casualty reduction targets listed in the Road Safety Strategy.”
