Drivers with up to 36 points on their licence still on the road

Scottish Liberal Democrat transport spokesperson Jamie Greene MSP has today revealed that hundreds of drivers with 12 points or more on their record are still behind the wheel on Scotland’s roads as he called for an examination of whether persistent offenders are being properly dealt with.

A freedom of information request submitted by Scottish Liberal Democrats to the DVLA reveals that:

• 213,355 drivers in Scotland currently have points on their licence.
• 268 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, for a driver in the Kilmarnock area. 
• There is also a driver with 21 points in the Dundee area and drivers with 18 points based in the Falkirk, Glasgow and Kirkcaldy areas.

Commenting on the figures, Mr Greene said:

“Across Scotland, there are still many motorists on the road who have racked up 12 points or more on their licences.

“As winter closes in and people travel long distances to visit loved ones over the festive season, it’s vital that serial offenders and reckless drivers are prevented from putting others in danger.

“Some individuals may have legitimate reasons that allow them to hold on to their licence, but reaching 12 points or beyond strongly suggests a pattern of behaviour that endangers the public.

“One of the underlying issues here is the Scottish Government’s failure to deliver reliable alternatives to car travel in large parts of the country.

“Both the UK and Scottish governments should review whether the current measures to deal with high-risk drivers are truly effective. They must also invest in fast, convenient and green public transport so that people everywhere have real options beyond relying on private cars.”