Some motorists found speeding are still permitted to drive even after accumulating 45 points on their driving license, a recent revelation has shown.
According to the law, drivers in England and Wales who amass 12 or more points within three years face an automatic ban of at least six months. However, magistrates have the discretion to exempt drivers from the ban in cases of “exceptional hardship.”
A recent Freedom of Information request by the RAC revealed that 4,154 UK drivers can still legally drive despite surpassing the point threshold for license revocation. Among them, 117 drivers have over 20 speeding points. Notably, two drivers have accumulated 43 and 45 points each but were allowed to continue driving due to exceptional circumstances. The data also indicates 101 drivers with 20 to 29 points and 14 with 30 to 39 points.
The RAC is backing the Stop Excessive Speeders campaign, advocating for courts to mandate the installation of technology in offenders’ vehicles to prevent them from exceeding speed limits.
The proposed technology, known as Intervening Intelligent Speed Assistance (IISA), restricts a vehicle from surpassing speed limits, except in predefined emergency situations, which are recorded for review. This system differs from standard speed-limiting systems in most new cars.
Research conducted by the RAC shows that nearly nine out of 10 drivers support the implementation of new measures to target excessive speeders. Similarly, research commissioned by the Stop Excessive Speeders campaign reinforces public approval for using technology to combat speeding issues.
Simon Williams, the RAC’s head of policy, expressed concern over repeat offenders being allowed to drive despite accumulating significant points, emphasizing the need for speed-prevention devices in their vehicles. He urged the government to empower courts to mandate the installation of Intervening ISA devices in offenders’ vehicles to enhance road safety.
A spokesperson for the Stop Excessive Speeders campaign highlighted the pressing need to address excessive speed as a leading cause of road fatalities. The campaign endorses the practicality and effectiveness of Intervening Intelligent Speed Assistance in curbing dangerous driving habits.
By prioritizing road safety measures, interventions like Intervening ISA systems aim to reduce speed-related accidents and align with casualty reduction goals outlined in the Road Safety Strategy.