Driver with 36 points on licence still free to drive Scotland's roads
Calls are now being made to review the process
Drivers in Scotland are still being allowed on the roads despite having up to 36 points on their licence.
New figures show there are several drivers who have points showing “a pattern of behaviour that endangers the public” who have been allowed to keep their licences and continue driving.
DVLA figures show there are 213,355 drivers in Scotland who have points on their licence. This includes 268 who have 12 or more points.
The highest number of points held by a single driver who is still eligible is 36 in the Kilmarnock area.
There is also a driver with 21 points in the Dundee area and drivers with 18 points in the Falkirk, Glasgow and Kirkcaldy areas.
Penalty points are given for offences such as speeding, drink-driving, using a mobile phone while driving, or driving without insurance. They can last for four or 11 years, depending on the offence.
Drivers can be banned from the road for six months if they collect 12 or more points within three years. However, some are allowed to keep their licence if they can demonstrate “exceptional hardship”, for example if it would impact on their job or affect caring responsibilities.
The Scottish Lib Dems, who obtained the figures, say there now needs to be an examination of the rules to see whether persistent offenders are being properly dealt with.
Jamie Greene MSP, the party’s transport spokesman, said: “Across Scotland, there are still many motorists on the road who have tacked 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 onto 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.”
A spokesman for the Scottish Government said: “The level of penalty points associated with road traffic offences are reserved to Westminster.
“Sentencing decisions in individual cases are a matter for the independent courts, who consider all the facts and circumstances of each case before them.”
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