Dozens of drivers in Scotland with 12 or more points on licence still on roads, figures show

Dozens of drivers with 12 or more points on their licence are still on the roads, a freedom of information request (FOI) has revealed.

The Scottish Liberal Democrats’ FOI found that a total of 181,225 drivers with a Scottish address have accrued penalty points.

The party are now calling for an investigation into whether problematic drivers are being dealt with adequately.

Some 73 drivers remain on the roads in Scotland despite having a dozen or more points on their licence, according to figures released by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), requested by the Lib Dems using freedom of information laws.

The report also found that one Scottish driver is still able to drive despite having 23 points.

Lib Dem transport spokeswoman Jill Reilly, has called on “wild drivers” to be kept off the roads.

She said: “There are dozens of drivers with 12 points or more on their record who are still on Scotland’s roads.

“As winter weather sets in and people set off on long journeys to see family this festive period, it’s important that repeat offenders and wild drivers are kept off the roads.

“For some of these drivers there may be mitigating factors which justify them clinging on to their right to drive, but racking up 12 points or more would seem to be a clear signal of repeatedly putting others at risk.

“Part of the problem is that this Scottish Government has completely failed to provide viable alternatives to private cars across vast swathes of Scotland.

“The UK and Scottish Governments should examine whether the right systems are in place to put the brakes on problem drivers.

“They should also invest in speedy, convenient and environmentally friendly rail and bus services so that alternatives to private cars are available for all.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Road traffic legislation, including penalties is currently 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.”