The RAC has issued a warning that over 4,000 drivers in Britain are legally permitted to drive despite accumulating 12 or more penalty points, the usual threshold for a licence revocation. This comes after DVLA figures revealed that 117 licence-holders have amassed more than 20 points specifically for speeding offences, with one individual having 45 points.
Operation Hopper Uncovers Repeat Offenders
The shocking case was uncovered during Operation Hopper, a year-long campaign launched to tackle uninsured drivers and persistent road offenders across Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland. Matthew Chester, Road Safety Unit Manager at Leicestershire Police, said the operation was intended to send a clear warning to dangerous motorists.
"Operation Hopper intends to send out a clear warning to those drivers who think they can flout the law and pose the highest risk to innocent road users," he shared. "Arrests have been made, cars have been seized, and we will continue to take decisive action to protect the public."
He added: "This anniversary marks not just a year of enforcement, but a year of partnership, prevention, and progress. Operation Hopper will continue to evolve as we work to make the roads across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland safer for everyone."
RAC Calls for Intelligent Speed Adaptation Devices
RAC head of policy Simon Williams expressed concern: "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."
He proposed a solution: "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 identifies strong support among drivers for those who speed excessively to have these devices."
Williams urged the Government to consider giving courts the power to order repeat and excessive speeders to have intervening ISA devices fitted to all their vehicles. "This will save lives and reduce the number of speed-related collisions on our roads," he concluded.
