More than 100,000 dodgy drivers who should be banned are still behind the wheel, including one in his 20s with a mind-boggling 176 penalty points.
Road safety charities demanded a crackdown after the “shocking” figures were revealed by the DVLA.
The 26-year-old with 176 points is one of a terrible trio of male licence holders who have shamefully racked up more than 100 points.
That works out at 19 points every year for nine years, if he passed his test aged 17. Amassing 12 points or more within three years on your driving licence should leave you facing disqualification by law.
(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
But many weasel their way out of bans by convincing courts they would face “exceptional hardship, which could relate to their ability to work or care for their family”.
More than 10,000 drivers still have their licence despite totalling at least 12 points and 53 people have at least 30 points. One 50-year-old woman has 96 points. Charities blasted the system for being too lenient and putting pedestrians and safe drivers at risk.
Nicholas Lyes, of IAM RoadSmart, said: “These shocking statistics call into question whether the definition of exceptional hardship needs reviewing.
“At the very least, those that accrue 12 or more points on their licence should be required to take an additional training course, even if they are allowed to keep their licence.”
Steve Gooding, of the RAC Foundation agreed the current situation needs more scrutiny. He said: ‘Exceptional hardship needs to be truly exceptional.
“A bit more transparency in the system might ensure the right balance is being struck between personal mobility and our collective safety.”
Serious offences such as driving without due care and attention result in three to nine points while drink driving can lead to three to eleven.
Speeding offences carry between three and six points.