Despite accumulating 45 points on their driving licences, some drivers caught speeding are still permitted to drive, as revealed by recent findings. In England and Wales, amassing 12 or more points within a three-year span typically results in an automatic ban of at least six months, a process commonly known as ‘totting up.’ However, magistrates can exercise discretion in certain cases if they believe that imposing a ban would create “exceptional hardship.”
A recent Freedom of Information request by the RAC unveiled that 4,154 drivers in the UK are legally driving despite surpassing the threshold for license suspension. Among them, 117 drivers have exceeded 20 speeding points. Notably, two individuals have accumulated 43 and 45 points but continue to drive due to court exceptions citing exceptional hardship. The data also shows that 101 drivers have 20 to 29 points and 14 have 30 to 39 points.
The RAC is backing the Stop Excessive Speeders campaign, advocating for courts to impose vehicle technology that restricts speed limits on offenders. This technology, known as Intervening Intelligent Speed Assistance (IISA), prevents vehicles from exceeding speed limits, with emergency override capabilities for specific situations, all logged for review purposes. Unlike standard systems in new cars, IISA actively intervenes to control speed limits.
Research conducted by the RAC indicates strong support for implementing new measures to target excessive speeders, with nearly 90% of drivers in favor. Similarly, research commissioned by the Stop Excessive Speeders campaign reflects public backing for technology solutions to tackle speeding issues.
Simon Williams, the RAC’s head of policy, expressed concern over allowing repeat speeders to continue driving despite accumulating 12 or more points, emphasizing the critical role speed plays in severe road accidents. Proposing a solution, Williams suggested fitting devices in vehicles that prevent speeding as an effective measure supported by drivers.
Advocating for governmental action, Williams urged the implementation of Intervening ISA devices for repeat and excessive speeders to save lives and reduce speed-related collisions, aligning with road safety objectives.
A spokesperson for the Stop Excessive Speeders campaign highlighted the urgent need to address excessive speed, a leading cause of road fatalities. The public’s understanding of the connection between road safety and tackling dangerous driving underscores the importance of interventions like Intervening Intelligent Speed Assistance, targeting repeat offenders while minimizing disruptions for law-abiding drivers.
