Hundreds of drivers still on roads despite receiving 12 points or more

Scottish Liberal Democrat transport spokesperson Daniel O'Malley has today revealed that 265 drivers with 12 points or more on their record are still behind the wheel on Scotland’s roads as he called for the UK and Scottish Governments to examine whether persistent offenders are being properly dealt with.

Freedom of information requests submitted by Scottish Liberal Democrats to the DVLA reveal that:

• 198,142 drivers in Scotland currently have points on their licence.
• 265 drivers currently still on the road have 12 or more points on their licence.
• The highest number of points held by a single (still eligible) driver is 36.

Mr O'Malley said:

“There are 265 drivers in Scotland who are still on the roads right now, despite having more than 12 points on their licence. There is even one driver with 36 points.

“For the safety of everyone who uses our roads, whether they be cyclists, pedestrians or other motorists, it’s important that repeat offenders and wild drivers are kept off the roads.

“For some drivers, there may be medical or employment reasons why the authorities choose not to take their right to drive away despite having many points on their licence. However, this is a fine balance to strike when it concerns drivers who have repeatedly breached the rules of the road and put others at risk. 

“Part of the problem is that this Scottish Government has completely failed to provide viable alternatives to private cars across vast swathes of Scotland.

“The UK and Scottish Governments should investigate whether the right systems are in place to put the brakes on problem drivers. They should also invest in speedy, convenient and environmentally friendly rail and bus services so that alternatives to private cars are available for all. That’s one way to get bad drivers off the road.”