Penalised drivers still behind wheel

Figures obtained by the Co-operative Motor Group following a freedom of information request to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency showed that Blackpool, Oldham and Manchester have the highest proportion of drivers with 12 points or more.

Drivers who build up 12 points or more within a three-year period are liable to be disqualified from driving under the “totting-up” system.

However, courts can use discretion to ban drivers.

The Co-Op said that based on the number of 12-point drivers in relation to the number of registered motorists in that area, only one town (Peterborough) in the southern half of England featured in the top 15 locations with the most 12-point drivers.

Cardiff had the highest percentage in Wales and Glasgow the highest in Scotland, although both countries only accounted for about 8 per cent of all 12-point drivers.

Co-op Group managing director Tony Guest said the discover was “concerning”, adding: “We would hope that at the very least these drivers are having to undertake retraining to ensure that they do not re-offend, but we understand this is rarely the case.”