UK drivers: Nearly 100,000 motorists at imminent risk of losing their licence
Almost 100,000 drivers are at risk of losing their licence if they are found guilty of one more motoring offence
PA
Almost 100,000 drivers are at risk of losing their licence if they are found guilty of one more motoring offence, a road charity claims.
IAM RoadSmart found that 92,000 drivers in the UK had 9, 10 or 11 points on their licence following a Freedom of Information request to DVLA.
These motorists could find themselves being banned from driving with another three points - which would push them on or over the 12-point ban threshold.
Everyday driving habits, ignorance or judgement errors such as speeding, overtaking on a double white line, parking in a dangerous place, not stopping at a school crossing, carrying too many passengers or overloading the vehicle could see three points being added.
IAM RoadSmart found that 92,000 drivers in the UK had 9, 10 or 11 points on their licence
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Many drivers may also be unaware that a lack of basic vehicle maintenance could also land points.
This includes things like defective tyres, blown headlight or brake light bulbs, cracked light covers, smeary windscreen wipers or worn suspension components.
Currently there are 80,484 motorists in the UK with 9 points on their licence, 7,804 with 10 points and 4,313 with 11 points.
According to the driving charity, there are also nearly 8,800 motorists still driving with 12 points or more on their driving licence.
The IAM RoadSmart is renewing its call for a full review to make sure that drivers with multiple points are always treated in the same way.
They argue that until anomalies are removed confidence in the simple “12 points and you are out” system will continue to be undermined.
Some drivers who have 12 points or more, could potentially keep their licence under exceptional hardship, such as loss of employment.
Neil Greig, IAM RoadSmart Director of Policy & Research, said: “The number of motorists still driving on UK roads with more than 12 points, or just under the driving ban threshold, is alarming.
Some drivers who have 12 points or more, could potentially keep their licence under exceptional hardship, such as loss of employment
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“It is also an opportune occasion to educate motorists on some motoring laws that they might be unaware can result in licence points, so that motorists can change their driving habits and carry out regular basic checks of their vehicle to help make the roads safer for all users.”
Data also revealed the postcode areas with the highest number of drivers with penalty points.
These include Birmingham with 74,397, Sheffield with 56,876 and Nottingham with 56,245.
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