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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Neil Lancefield

RAC ‘very concerned’ as thousands of speeding motorists avoid driving bans despite repeat speeding

More than 4,000 drivers are still allowed on the road despite having at least 12 speeding points, an investigation has found.

The RAC, which conducted the research, called on the Government to force repeat and excessive speeders to have devices fitted to their vehicles to prevent future offending.

It obtained Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) figures showing 4,154 people in Britain are legally permitted to drive even though they have crossed the threshold for losing their licence after being caught speeding.

Drivers are handed between three and six penalty points for speeding, depending on the seriousness of the incident.

Points are also issued for other offences, such as driving without due care and attention, drink-driving and using a hand-held mobile.

Under the totting up process, drivers are usually banned for six months if they receive 12 or more points within a three-year period, unless they convince a court this would result in exceptional hardship, which could relate to their ability to work or care for their family.

The DVLA figures show 117 licence-holders have amassed more than 20 points from speeding, including one with 45 points.

The RAC is supporting a new Stop Excessive Speeders campaign, which is calling on the Government to give courts the power to order offenders to have technology fitted to their vehicles that prevents them from breaking the speed limit again.

Research by the group indicated there is public support for mandating use of intervening intelligent speed assistance (IISA) devices, which actively stop a vehicle from exceeding the limit.

The Government’s recent Road Safety Strategy mentions the benefits of advisory ISA technology, which only goes as far as alerting drivers when the speed limit is broken.

Speaking ahead of a parliamentary event on Wednesday about tackling speeding, RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: “It’s very concerning that so many repeat speeders have been allowed to carry on driving despite amassing 12 points or more which would normally lead to them losing their licences.

“A better solution for people like this who have demonstrated a compelling need to the court to be allowed to continue driving would be for them to have devices fitted to their vehicles that prevent them speeding again.

“Our research identifies strong support among drivers for those who speed excessively to have these devices.

“We urge the Government to consider giving courts the power to order repeat and excessive speeders to have intervening ISA devices fitted to all their vehicles.

“This will save lives and reduce the number of speed-related collisions on our roads.”

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