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Drivers in 30s have most penalty points

There are more drivers in their 30s with penalty points than any other age range, challenging the idea that it’s younger drivers who break the rules.

There are more drivers in their 30s with penalty points than any other age range (575,029), closely followed by those in their 40s (572,238) and then by those in their 50s (568,511)

The findings, which came from a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to the DVLA by IAM RoadSmart, reveal there are 575,029 drivers in their 30s with penalty points, closely followed by those in their 40s (572,238) and then by those in their 50s (568,511).

This compares to 390,988 for drivers in their 20s and just over 12,000 teenage drivers.

For older drivers, the data shows 187,100 in the 60-64 age range have points and more than 304k for those aged 65 or over. The highest single age with the greatest number of people with points was 49 (63,248).

Neil Greig, IAM RoadSmart director of policy & research, said: “The findings from our Freedom of Information request are surprising. Speeding and other motoring misdemeanours are often associated with younger drivers but the findings clearly show there is a large number of older drivers also flouting the rules.

“Regardless of age, the message we need to get through is that road safety is paramount and we urge drivers of all ages to stick to the speed limits and ensure their vehicles are in a roadworthy condition.”

Additional findings from the FOI discovered that there is up to 8,800 people still driving with more than 12 points – the amount at which you are disqualified – while the highest number of penalty points currently held by one individual is 68.

Greig continued: “We also urge government to urgently revisit the issue of drivers with more than 12 points who still have not had their licences revoked. IAM RoadSmart has been raising this issue for almost a decade now and the problem still persists. It’s not by chance that certain drivers amass 12 or more points and they need to be removed from the public roads. By letting them keep their licence it undermines the simple ‘four strikes and you’re out’ message and this urgently needs to be addressed.”

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Natalie Middleton

Natalie has worked as a fleet journalist for over 20 years, previously as assistant editor on the former Company Car magazine before joining Fleet World in 2006. Prior to this, she worked on a range of B2B titles, including Insurance Age and Insurance Day.