Thousands of drivers across the UK are driving with dozens of penalty points on their licence, prompting calls for new speed limiters to be installed in vehicles.
New data from the RAC shows that more than 4,000 drivers have accumulated 12 or more penalty points for speeding offences, yet have not had their licences stripped.
The research, which was obtained through a Freedom of Information request, found that 4,154 are still driving despite crossing the legal threshold for penalty points.
Of these, 117 motorists have collected more than 20 speeding points, which would normally lead to drivers being stripped of their licences.
Britons can be banned or disqualified from driving if they are convicted of a driving offence or accrue 12 or more penalty points within three years.
In the event that a driver receives 12 or more points on their licence, they will be slapped with a driving ban lasting six months before they can apply for a new licence.
Drivers will typically receive a minimum penalty of a £100 fine and three penalty points when they are caught speeding, with more potentially being added if they plead not guilty.
Younger motorists who have received their licence in the last two years since passing their test could have their licence revoked if they collect six or more points.
Concerningly, the RAC data found that over 100 drivers have between 20 and 29 points, while 14 motorists have as many as 39 points.
One driver has even managed to amass as many as 45 penalty points on their licence and is still behind the wheel, travelling across the UK.
The RAC is now supporting the Stop Excessive Speeders campaign, which calls on the Government to give courts the power to install speed limiters in cars of offenders.
If the proposals are brought forward, persistent speeders would have their vehicles fitted with technology to prevent them from exceeding the speed limit.
Road safety campaigners are set to meet in Parliament today to give MPs the opportunity to learn about Intervening Intelligent Speed Assistance (IISA) technology and lobby for new changes.
Simon Williams, head of policy at the RAC, said the data was “very concerning” that drivers breaking crucial road rules were able to be on the road despite breaking the rules continually.
He added: “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 – something which completely aligns with the casualty reduction targets listed in the Road Safety Strategy.”
Labour’s recent landmark Road Safety Strategy looked at the benefits of an Advisory Intelligent Speed Assistance technology, although it did not highlight evidence provided through IISA.
Road casualty data from 2024 found that excessive speed was a contributory factor in one in five of fatal collisions.
A spokesperson for the Stop Excessive Speeders campaign said: “Excessive speed remains one of the leading causes of death on our roads, and the public clearly recognises the need for action. What our research shows is that people instinctively understand the link between tackling dangerous driving and saving lives.
“Intervening Intelligent Speed Assistance is a practical, proportionate solution, targeting repeat offenders while allowing the vast majority of drivers to go about their daily lives without disruption.”
