DVLA data has revealed that over 140,000 UK driving licence holders are currently slapped with a ban – equating to one in every 374 drivers. Drivers can find themselves barred from the road for a variety of reasons, including accumulating 12 or more points on their licence.
They could also face a ban if convicted of serious driving offences, or if found driving dangerously or recklessly. The duration of a driving ban hinges on the offence, and can span anywhere from six months to two years or even longer. In certain cases, drivers are required to retake their test before they’re legally allowed back behind the wheel.
Dayinsure, an online provider of short-term car insurance, lodged a Freedom of Information request with the DVLA to unearth which areas harbour the highest proportion of banned drivers.
This was then compared with licence holder data, to pinpoint where drivers are most likely to face disqualification, reports Wales Online.
1. Liverpool – one in 210 drivers banned (3,154 people)
2. Bradford – one in 210 drivers banned (2,159 people)
3. Teesside – one in 213 drivers banned (2,207 people)
4. Llandudno – 1 in 244 drivers banned (1,737 people)
5. Wakefield – 1 in 248 drivers banned (1,691 people)
6. Blackburn – 1 in 251 drivers banned (1,577 people)
7. Leeds – 1 in 253 drivers banned (2,457 people)
8. Oldham – 1 in 254 drivers banned (1,470 people)
9. Sunderland – 1 in 255 drivers banned (713 people)
10. Halifax – 1 in 264 drivers banned (485 people)
Nicholas Shaw, managing director at Dayinsure, expressed concern over driving standards saying: “While the vast majority of UK motorists comply with the law, it is still alarming to see that so many motorists have been disqualified from driving due to dangerous and careless driving.
“The data highlights how vital it is for motorists to take extra care and attention when driving, as you never know what other road users might be doing – you sadly cannot just assume that others will drive as carefully as you would.
“Our final piece of advice would be to ensure that you are fully insured in case worse comes to worse and you are involved in an accident.”
Meanwhile, the DVLA has also warned that failing to notify the agency of your new address following a house move could see people hit with a fine of up to £1,000.
A recent DVLA announcement posted to X warned motorists about the importance of updating their address details promptly. The agency cheered on movers with “New home? Congratulations!” before promptly reminding them: “Don’t forget, you can use our online service to tell us you’ve moved.”
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