No ban for motorist with 63 points on licence as Lib Dem MP hits out at ‘reckless drivers’

No ban for motorist with 63 points on licence as Lib Dem MP hits out at ‘reckless drivers who repeatedly break the rules’

  • They are among more than 3,000 drivers with 12 or more points who can drive
  • There are nearly 2.3million drivers with points on their licence
  • Motorists can be banned when they accumulate 12 points within three years

A driver is still behind the wheel despite having a staggering 63 points on their licence.

The motorist is among more than 3,000 drivers with 12 or more points who are still entitled to drive, raising fears that serial offenders are getting away with a ‘slap on the wrist’. 

Nicholas Lyes, the RAC’s roads policy chief, said: ‘Most people will be utterly shocked to discover it’s possible for someone to still be driving with so many points on their licence.’

The figures, obtained by the Liberal Democrats via Freedom of Information requests, reveal there are nearly 2.3million drivers with points on their licence.

A motorist with a staggering 63 points on their licence is among more than 3,000 drivers with 12 or more points who are still entitled to drive

The number with 12 points or more but not subject to a ban is 3,021 – motorists can be banned when they accumulate 12 points within three years, but courts can allow them to remain on the road.

Lib Dem transport spokesman Wera Hobhouse said: ‘Reckless drivers are being allowed to repeatedly break the rules. Surely for the safety of everyone the Government needs to look into this.’

She added: ‘It’s important that repeat offenders and wild drivers are kept off the roads.

‘Ministers should be working to examine whether the right systems are in place to put a stop on problem drivers.’

Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for the AA, said: ‘When it comes to driving, points should mean penalties.

‘Although a court will weigh up the circumstances that may allow a driver to keep a driving licence, 63 penalty points is still an incredible number. In effect, it suggests a complete disregard for the rules that govern everyone else on the road.

‘There are limited cases where exceptional hardship can be argued, but drivers should be under no illusion that if they reach 12 points their licence should be taken away.’