Tag: driving

UK government partners with disability charity to set standards for electric vehicle chargepoints

  • standards will provide industry with guidance on how to make individual chargepoints more accessible by summer 2022
  • guidance will consider aspects such as kerb height, adequate space between bollards and chargepoints being of a height suitable for wheelchair users
  • partnership with British Standards Institute (BSI) and Motability will see chargepoints that are accessible for all as we accelerate towards a zero-emission future

The UK is accelerating towards a more inclusive, reliable electric vehicle (EV) charging network, as the government and charity sector come together to set accessibility standards, Transport Minister Rachel Maclean has announced today (30 June 2021).

In partnership with national disability charity Motability, the Department for Transport (DfT) has commissioned the British Standards Institute (BSI) to develop accessibility standards for EV chargepoints across the country. These standards will provide industry with guidance and drivers with a new clear definition of ‘fully accessible’, ‘partially accessible’ and ‘not accessible’ public EV chargepoints.

The design of public chargepoints is already carefully considered by operators. However, consistent standards are crucial for drivers to easily identify which chargepoints are suitable for their needs. This could range from adequate space between bollards, charging units being of a height suitable for wheelchair users, size of the parking bay and the kerb height.

Transport Minister Rachel Maclean said: “With sales of EVs increasing and the government’s net zero ambitions accelerating, I want to make it as easy as possible for EV drivers to charge up their vehicles at public chargepoints right across the UK, regardless of their mobility.

“We are taking action to provide accessibility guidance to both operators and drivers to make sure that the transition to zero-emission driving will benefit everyone in society as we build back better.”

Minister for Disabled People Justin Tomlinson said: “As we build back greener, this government is ensuring disabled people are at the heart of our plans.

“As electric vehicles become more popular it is imperative that disabled people have the same opportunities to access them as everyone else. The new accessibility standards for chargepoints will help make this a reality.”

The Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV), Motability and BSI will be working with industry stakeholders including EV chargepoint operators, disability charities and innovators to ensure that the consumer can find the right chargepoints for their needs.

Barry Le Grys MBE, Chief Executive Officer at Motability, said: “There is a risk that disabled people are left behind as the UK’s transition to electric vehicles approaches and Motability wants to ensure that this does not happen.

“We welcome the interest from government in our research on electric vehicle charging and accessibility and we are excited about our partnership with the Office of Zero Emissions Vehicles to further this work.

“We look forward to working together to create world-leading accessibility standards and to support the UK’s commitment to achieving zero emissions. Motability looks forward to a future where electric vehicle charging is inclusive for all.”

Motability is also working with Designability, a charity that creates products to enable disabled people to live with greater independence, to engage with disabled drivers and identify their requirements for accessible charging.

Catharine Brown Chief Executive at Designability said: “Accessible electric vehicle charging is an exciting area of innovation for government, industry and the charity sector. Designability welcomes this important drive towards standards that will make sure the needs of disabled people are taken into account as this new technology becomes mainstream.

“We are delighted to be working with Motability to create cutting-edge design solutions. Our expertise in working with disabled people makes us perfectly placed to find solutions to these everyday challenges – which will only increase as more people want to drive electric cars.

“To date over 1,000 disabled drivers have volunteered to feedback to Motability and Designability on how we can make electric vehicle charging accessible for all.”

Matthew Campbell-Hill, a former Team GB wheelchair athlete and member of the Electric Vehicle Association (EVA) England, said: “As an EV owner and motor vehicle enthusiast who knows how transformative inclusive infrastructure can be, I’m excited to learn of this cross-sector partnership between charity and government.

“I’ve experienced first-hand just how challenging it can be to use a chargepoint that hasn’t been built with disabled people in mind, and this work will ensure electric vehicle charging is accessible for all. I can’t wait to see innovation and change in this space.”

To ensure all interested stakeholders have the opportunity to come together and inform the standards, Motability will be holding a series of workshops on accessibility and electric vehicle charging in August.

If you are a charity working with disabled people or people with long-term health conditions and would like to know more about participating, contact innovation@motability.co.uk.

Police Scotland: Stay safe on the road during school holidays

Happy School Holidays to all the pupils and teachers! 

Whether you’re plotting your stops for the North Coast 500 or working out a driving route for an island hopping adventure, make sure you’re planning a safe staycation.

Roads may be busier than usual with more road users who are unfamiliar with the area:

🔹 Plan extra time for your journey
🔹 Pay attention to speed limits & other road users
🔹 Follow local COVID-19 restrictions

Read more ➡️http://ow.ly/Tcg450FihHK

Edinburgh Staycation: Ultimate Road Trip Guide

Western Honda Edinburgh offers some handy tips and advice

As temperatures begin to rise, staycation season will soon be upon us. With 4 in 5 Brits (84%) planning a UK break this summer, we know that many people will be setting out on a road trip.

As with any long journey, it’s really important to make sure cars are in the best possible condition, and can deal with whatever the trip might throw at them.

To make sure your vehicle is in the best shape possible, Western Honda Edinburgh has created the ultimate road trip guide. With invaluable vehicle and travel tips, it’s sure to help you get the most out of your summer journeys:

  1. Do the ‘Big Three’ checks ahead of the journey – There are three key checks to do before you set off. Tyre pressure, washer fluid and engine oil levels should be monitored before any long trip. Many car owners especially forget to check their engine oil levels, which is vital to keep internal parts moving as they should. If the oil level in your engine drops too low, it’ll stop working efficiency and could even lead to significant engine damage.
  1. Bring the fun – A key part of any road trip is ensuring that the fun never stops. This is often difficult on long car journeys, so why not avoid the 100th round of ‘I Spy’ by bringing travel board games for your passengers? Crosswords or Card Games are a great way to pass the time and inject some competitive spirit into your journey. As well as games, make sure you bring in-car snacks too, to keep your passengers fed and happy throughout the journey.  From a full picnic to crisps and sweets, it’ll be sure to maintain the energy levels throughout your trip.
  1. Packing – Perhaps the most obvious of all is making sure you’re packed for your destination! What would a summer road trip be without the luggage, bikes and snack bags that are essential for a summer day out. Squeezing everything in can be a challenge, but our range of Honda vehicles has been designed with space in mind. From roof-bars to bike-racks, our host of innovative space-saving features will ensure your road trip has everything you need.

Aftersales Manager, Jonathan Wilson  from  Western  Honda commented: “Now that the warmer months are upon us, it is really important to consider the impact longer road trips will have on your car.

“Not only to avoid any potential damage, but to make sure you are keeping safe on the road. Whatever your needs, we are always here to offer help or advice on this. Simply pick up the phone and our expert team will be delighted to help.”

For those keen to purchase a new car, the Western Honda Edinburgh range features the all-electric Honda e alongside our popular Jazz and CR-V Hybrid models.

The dealership is now back open and welcoming shoppers. Extensive measures have been put in place to keep the process as safe as possible, including staggered appointment times and sanitisation stations for staff and customers. This also includes the thorough cleaning of all vehicles before and after handover.  

According to a recent study, Cornwall is among the most sought-after destinations in Europe for road trips. With 78 boards dedicated to the county on social media site Pinterest, the picturesque coast has also seen a surge in Google searches, with a 50% increase in people searching for ‘Cornwall’ from January 2021 to March 2021. 

With that in mind, Edinburgh Honda have pulled together a list of the UK’s best road trip routes, so why not try visiting some of the following spots on your summer journey?:

  • Wild Wales – Explore some of the UK’s most stunning scenery with a drive through Snowdonia National Park and out to the Menai Strait. Starting at Betws-y-Coed, head west past Swallow Falls and into the heart of Snowdonia. Outside the park, take the scenic route via Caernarfon, before heading over the water to explore the beautiful Isle of Anglesey.
    • Route Distance: 50 miles
  • Peak District National Park – Why not take a tour through one of the country’s most beloved national parks, the Peak District. Start in Glossop and head into the Pennines via the famous Snake Pass. A small detour to the south-west will take you to the Blue John Cavern, a cave system that’s ideal for an exciting alternative to rambling. For even more of a thrill, take to the skies with Derwent Valley’s cable car.
    • Route Distance: 40 miles
  • Atlantic Highway – The A39 is a long stretch of road in South West England, running between Bath to Falmouth. A particularly picturesque part is from Barnstaple in Devon to the Cornish seaside resort of Newquay. Just a short journey from the road are breath-taking views of the Atlantic as you pass through Bude, Camelford and Wadebridge. Active groups will love walking and cycling through North Devon’s Adventure Coast.
    • Route Distance: 77 miles
  • Norfolk Coast – England’s eastern coastline is full of scenic waterways and wildlife, so starting out from Norwich, take the coast road north towards Cromer for a traditional seaside resort. Further along the coast, Brancaster Beach is the perfect option for an afternoon on the sand. With more than 40 miles of sandy shores and six Blue Flag beaches, Norfolk is also home to the country’s largest seal colony at Blakeney Point.
    • Route Distance: 90 miles
  • The UK’s Route 66 – For the ultimate summer road trip, why not venture up to Scotland to enjoy some of the UK’s most spectacular vistas. Starting and ending at Inverness Castle, The North Coast 500 goes via Ullapool, Durness, John O’Groats and Dornoch. A full 500 miles in length, it’s advisable to book accommodation well in advance. Plenty of adventurous opportunities exist on route, with surfing, canyoning and diving all available to beginners.
    • Route Distance: 516 miles

Contact your local Honda dealership on 0131 657 3000 or email 

info@westernhonda.co.uk 

to get yourself road trip ready with Western Honda  today.

Pandemic practice makes perfect

Lockdown pass rates hit record high

Learner drivers passed their practical tests at the highest rate ever recorded during the pandemic, according to new figures released by the Department for Transport.

The data, which spans April 2020 to March 2021, shows that 49.8% of learners passed the test, up by 3.9% on 2019-20 figures.

There was more good news for learners taking theory tests, with 55.7% passing, the highest rate since 2013-14 and 8.6% higher than the previous year.

While many learners celebrated receiving their full driving licences, others were unable to take their practical car tests due to the pandemic, with 72.7% fewer practical tests taking place in 2020-21 compared to the previous year. Car theory tests were down by more than 50%.

Greg Wilson, Founder of Quotezone.co.uk comments: “Congratulations to all those who passed, just goes to show, practice really does make perfect as shown by the outstanding results.

“Many learners took advantage of less traffic on the roads to get out there and clock up more miles behind the wheel during the pandemic, plus increased time at home was the ideal opportunity to hit the books and study for the theory test.”

However, Wilson points out that after all their hard work there is now another challenge: “Newly qualified drivers often have trouble finding competitively priced insurance because they represent a higher insurance risk than seasoned motorists, and this is particularly true if the new driver also happens to be a young driver.

“That’s why we recommend newly qualified drivers use Quotezone.co.uk’s car insurance comparison service to shop around for better deals, by comparing quotes from a wide range of different providers side-by-side these motorists stand a better chance of finding a cheaper quote.

“Of course, there are additional steps newly qualified drivers can take to increase their odds of finding cheaper insurance too. For instance, it might be worth considering telematics insurance, which is often cheaper than a standard car insurance policy and opting for a car with a smaller engine and parking the vehicle in a safer location like a driveway or garage can also bring premiums down.”

Quotezone.co.uk compares quotes from over 110 UK car insurance providers, helping over 3 million users find a more competitive deal each year on everything from learner driver insurance to telematics insurance to cover for young drivers.

Updates to The Highway Code will make roads even safer

Highways England has drafted updated guidance for The Highway Code with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to help road users better understand how motorways and high-speed roads operate.

More than 3,200 people and organisations responded to a consultation on the guidance, with their comments directly leading to it being amended and improved. The amendments are expected to become part of The Highway Code later this year.

The update will include:

  • clearer advice on where to stop in an emergency
  • the importance of not driving in a lane closed by a Red X
  • the use of variable speed limits to manage congestion
  • updated guidance on key factors that contribute to safety-related incidents, including driving while tired, unroadworthy vehicles, safe towing, tailgating and driving in roadworks

Jeremy Phillips, Highways England’s Head of Road Safety, said: “The updates to The Highway Code will help everyone who uses our busiest roads.

“Thanks to the input from road users, we have been able to produce clearer guidance on how to use our motorways and major A-roads which will make journeys even safer.

“The new edition of The Highway Code can give everyone on our roads the confidence that they have the knowledge and skills to safely get from A to B.”

Among the updates to The Highway Code are clearer advice on how and where to stop in an emergency, including the importance of not driving in a lane that has been closed with a Red X sign displayed and, for the first time, emergency area signage. It includes the “Go left” messaging used in Highways England’s recent £5m advertising campaign to help people know what to do in the event of a breakdown.

There is new guidance on the use of variable speed limits to manage congestion and information on how safety cameras are used to ensure compliance with speed limits and lanes closed with a Red X, including the hard shoulder.

The improved guidance also addresses key factors that contribute to safety-related incidents, including driving while tired, unroadworthy vehicles, safe towing, tailgating and driving through roadworks.

In total, 33 existing rules will be amended and two new rules will be introduced. There will also be a number of amendments made to the additional information within The Highway Code and its annexes.

Highways England has provided the amendments to The Highway Code as part of its commitment to provide clearer information for road users to further improve safety across England’s major routes.

It is vital that all road users are aware of The Highway Code, are considerate to other road users and understand their responsibility for their own safety and that of others.

View the results of the consultation.

Highways England has also launched a campaign to help road users to understand what to do in an emergency on a motorway or high-speed road.

For more information, visit the campaign webpage.

Enterprise boosts electric rental fleet with thirty new vehicles

·       30 new Renault ZOE available in Enterprise Rent-A-Car branches in Edinburgh, Dundee, Glasgow, Aberdeen

·       Supporting local communities’ and businesses’ transition to shared low- and zero-emission motoring

·       Part of a wider investment including electric vans and hydrogen vehicles

Enterprise Rent-A-Car has unveiled 30 new electric Renault ZOE as part of its rental fleet in Scotland. They will offer more zero-emission transport options for businesses and local residents needing to drive as Scotland emerges from lockdown.

The vehicles will be located at Enterprise Rent-A-Car branches in Dundee, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen. They are part of the company’s wider investment in offering sustainable motoring options in Scotland and across the UK.

Enterprise already offers a range of low emission vehicles and is rolling out a number of fully electric vans and working with Toyota to trial hydrogen cars with selected corporate customers.

Police Scotland is one of a number of organisations that is renting the new Enterprise Renault ZOE fleet. The Renault ZOE is a fully electric vehicle, with a 52-kWh capacity with up to 245 miles of range.

Enterprise is seeing growing support for its electric vehicle fleet, both rental and car club, across the UK. An analysis of user data shows that while the majority of renters drive fewer than 50 miles when they use an electric vehicle, many are regular users and happy to drive an electric car for 100 miles or more per day.

“We see rental as a way of facilitating change because it enables people to try out zero-emission electric vehicles for a short period of time,” said Diane Mulholland, General Manager for Enterprise Scotland.

“We will be using our new ZOE fleet to ensure our employees are familiar with EV technology and act as experts to help customers understand the benefits of these vehicles and overcome any concerns they may have.

“We are planning to encourage all our customers to try EVs. That means replacement customers who get a car from their insurance company when their vehicle is being repaired will have an EV option, as well as our business and leisure customers as lockdown eases.”

Enterprise is committed to the continued expansion of its fleet of fully electric vehicles in Scotland and in all other markets in which it operates. These vehicles will play a role in supporting Scotland’s move towards more sustainable transport, use of ultra-low emission vehicles (ULEVs) and introduction of Low Emission Zones in four cities, Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow next year. 

In order to ensure employee and customer safety, Enterprise introduced its Complete Clean Pledge in 2020, which is an industry leading initiative that demonstrates the company’s commitment to excellent customer service and maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness.

The CCP further enhanced how all Enterprise vehicles are thoroughly cleaned between each rental. This includes washing, vacuuming, general wipe down, and sanitising with a disinfectant that meets leading health authority requirements, with particular attention to more than 20 high-touch points.

‘Green’ car sales boom in difficult market says government report

Ultra-low emission vehicle (ULEV) registrations shot-up by 125% during 2020 compared to the year before, according to new figures from the Department for Transport.

There was more good news for ULEV manufacturers, with registrations speeding-up over the course of year, which helped put 179,000 registered cars on the road by the end of 2020.

After ULEVs, alternative fuel cars enjoyed 87% growth, with 338,000 vehicles being registered for the first time. Hybrid Electrics also proved popular as did Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) with 164,000 and 107,000 new registrations respectively. Tesla’s BEV Model 3 was the best-selling green car with over 22,000.

The growing popularity of greener cars was in contrast with the total vehicle registrations dropping 27% in 2020 compared to 2019. Diesel vehicles were particularly badly hit, down 51.

Britain’s favourite motor, the Ford Fiesta, shelved diesel altogether last year, although 47,600 new petrol versions were sold as the company introduced emission cutting technology.

With car showrooms closed for large parts of the year, the industry found new ways to fight back, with the introduction of click and collect technology to boost lockdown sales.

Greg Wilson, Founder of motoring and electric car insurance comparison website Quotezone.co.uk comments: “The car industry has had significant challenges, suffering dampened sales last year with lockdown closing showrooms, logistical complications with travel restrictions and the looming economic uncertainty making customers hesitant.

“The good news is restrictions are being lifted and there is plenty of enthusiasm for greener cars which made-up a remarkable number of new registrations in 2020.

“A growing number of high-end electric vehicles are rolling off the production line now, and high-end motors almost always cost more to insure. In addition, the spare parts for some types of electric vehicles can be harder to source at present, and mechanics that specialise in electric vehicles can be harder to find, two factors that insurers may well factor into their premiums for electric car insurance.

“Still, as electric cars become more mainstream and a growing number of insurance providers enter the electric car insurance market, we expect the average cost of insuring electric cars to fall steadily – both for consumers who are keen to invest in a more environmentally friendly motor for their family, and for businesses who decide to invest in a more sustainable ‘green fleet’.”

Quotezone.co.uk helps around 3 million users every year and are recommended by 97% of reviewers, with over 400 insurance brands across 60 different products including niche products such as over 70s car insurance, young driver and black box insurance. 

Alternative fuel type vehicles as explained by the Department for Transport:

  • Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) that are too high-emitting to count as ULEVs, e.g. Toyota Yaris HEV.
  • Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) that are too high-emitting to count as ULEVs, e.g. BMW X5 PHEV.
  • Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) and Range-Extended Electric Vehicles (R-EEVs), e.g. Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and BMW I3S REX respectively.
  • Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), e.g. Tesla Model 3, Nissan Leaf, and Nissan e-NV200 (van).
  • Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) that use hydrogen, e.g. Toyota Mirai or Hyundai IX35.
  • Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) that are low-emitting, e.g. a series of Toyota Prius HEV in 2016/17

Drivers support wider use of average speed cameras on motorways

… despite more than half admitting to breaking the 70mph limit

= Drivers prefer average speed cameras to fixed position ones

= 36% don’t stick to 20mph-limits

More than half of drivers (56%) admit to breaking the speed limit on motorways with a third (34%) of those confessing to having travelled at speeds in excess of 80mph, research from an RAC reveals.

Three per cent say their fastest speed on a motorway was over 100mph while 4% believe their top speed was 91-100mph. While the vast majority – two-thirds (66%) – state their highest speed on a motorway was 71-80mph, a quarter (27%) claim to have driven at 81-90mph.

When asked why they broke the speed limit on a motorway, most drivers (39%) said they were simply following the example set by other motorists, although three-in-10 (31%) say it was because they thought it was safe to travel faster than 70mph.

Other common reasons for speeding on a motorway were: nothing else being on the road (28%); the speed limit being inappropriate (27%) and feeling pressure from other drivers behind (26%).

In terms of what form of speed enforcement drivers think is best for ensuring speed limit compliance on high speed roads where the speed limit is 60mph and 70mph, 58% of the 3,000-plus motorists surveyed for the RAC Report on Motoring said they favoured ‘average speed cameras’ which measure speeds between cameras rather than at a single, fixed location like traditional speed cameras.

Nearly a fifth (18%) felt fixed position cameras are most effective while 12% said it was mobile speed traps, with a similar proportion not offering an opinion.

While average speed cameras are used on a number of A-roads, on motorways they are currently only used in sections of roadworks. More than half of drivers (54%), however, said they would like to see them used in general motorway conditions enforcing the 70mph-limit. Only a quarter (26%) disagreed with this idea, with 18% unsure.

Average speed cameras were also preferred by the majority of drivers for use on 40-50mph limit roads with 46% saying this, compared to 29% for fixed position cameras. On 20-30mph limit roads however, fixed position cameras came out top with 43% of drivers saying they were best and a quarter (25%) opting for average speed cameras, only just ahead of police officers operating mobile speed traps (21%).

While compliance on roads with lower speed limits is far better than the 54% who admit to exceeding the 70mph-limit, an alarming four-in-10 (39%) still admit to frequently disobeying 20mph limits. This rises to a third (33%) on 60mph country roads – statistically some of our least safe roads – and to 36% on 30mph urban roads.

Very worryingly, 11% of limit-breakers claim to have driven above 40mph in a 30mph zone while 10% have exceeded 30mph in a 20mph zone. In the case of the latter, 45% of those who speed at least occasionally say this is because they believe the limit is ‘inappropriate’ for the area or stretch of road in question.

RAC road safety spokesman Simon Williams said: “Despite more than half of drivers admitting to regularly exceeding the 70-mph speed limit, road safety statistics clearly show that motorways are our safest roads.

“With so many motorists admitting to driving much faster than they should on the motorway, it was interesting to see such strong support for average speed cameras to be used more widely to enforce the 70-mph limit as opposed to just in roadworks, as is currently the case.

“We believe drivers see these cameras as being very effective at reducing speeds over longer distances and controlling traffic flow as well as being fairer than fixed position ones as they aren’t instantly punished for a momentary transgression.

“Our research shows speed limit compliance on all types of road has improved on previous years, but as our study was carried out during the pandemic we suspect this has partly been brought about by the reduction in the number of journeys carried out for the purposes of commuting – or for other business purposes – where drivers feel greater time pressure and may be more tempted to break the law by speeding.”

Scotland is learner driver centre for pensioners!

One third of all learner drivers are over 30 years of age

Scotland is a silver-haired centre for learner drivers, according to new figures from a leading car insurance comparison website.

Quotezone.co.uk’s data reveals over 3% of all Scottish learner drivers would qualify for a pension, which is double the rate for most other UK regions barring the North East, which topped the stats with 3.8% of its learners aged 66 or over.

And Scotland’s learner drivers are in no hurry to pass their test, with over three-quarters having received their provisional licences more than five years ago and 34% for over 10 years.

The general picture of learners being young still rings true, with 60% of learner drivers across the country being aged between 16 and 25. It is common to find learners in their 40s – 8.7% of all learners – and even their 50s – 3.8%.

The advancing years have also not held back more than 100 septuagenarians and octogenarians who retain an interest in passing their driving tests.

Quotezone.co.uk says demand for its learner premiums has rocketed 42% from 2019 to 2020.

The data was sourced from Quotezone.co.uk’s 2020 records covering a sample of 50,000 provisional drivers across the UK, with 15,000 over 30 years of age. North East learners surveyed numbered 1,790 drivers and 600 were over 30.

Greg Wilson, Quotezone.co.uk’s Founder, comments: “School leavers or young professionals often come to mind as the typical learner driver. Our findings tell a more multifaceted story though, showing many people hold back on getting their full driving licence until they’re well into their 20s and beyond.

“Scotland is not unusual in having a notable number of more mature drivers looking to pass their test, but it stands out for budding motorists being of pension age.   

“There’s going to be lots of reasons why people hold off on learning to drive. Cost could be one answer, with the price of lessons and buying a car putting some provisional drivers off. But when it comes to insurance you shouldn’t have to pay over the odds even if you are a learner. I would say dust off your provisional licence and shop around for the best deal by using a comparison website to compare quotes. 

“We’ve seen a big rise in learners looking into policies in 2020. Perhaps safety concerns using public transport have played a part in this surge, with many services reduced, and commuters are returning to the idea of having a car. 

“With lessons and tests returning and an economic bounce back looking promising, we expect more provisional licence holders to actively pursue their full licence this year.”  

Quotezone.co.uk can help learner drivers find a better deal on their provisional insurance, and for anyone wanting to take a few lessons with a friend or family member there’s also the option of temporary learner insurance.

92,000 UK motorists at imminent risk of losing their licence

92,000 motorists are at risk of losing their driving licence with just one more motoring offence resulting in a ban, a Freedom of Information request to DVLA by IAM RoadSmart has revealed.

There are some 92,000 drivers currently with 9, 10 or 11 points on their licence who face the real risk of losing their licence with another 3 points pushing them on or over the 12-point ban threshold.

This could be through everyday driving habits, ignorance or judgement errors – such as speeding, overtaking on a double white line, parking in a dangerous place, not stopping at a school crossing, carrying too many passengers or overloading the vehicle.

Many drivers may also be unaware that a lack of basic vehicle maintenance could also land you with points – such as defective tyres, blown headlight or brake light bulbs, cracked light covers, smeary windscreen wipers or worn suspension components.  

Specifically, at present there are 80,484 motorists in the UK with 9 points on their licence, 7,804 with 10 points and 4,313 with 11 points.

Meanwhile, there are nearly 8,800 motorists still driving with 12 points or more on their driving licence, with IAM RoadSmart once again renewing its call for a full review to ensure that drivers with multiple points are always treated in the same way. Until these anomalies are removed confidence in the simple “12 points and you are out” system will continue to be undermined.

Reasons that these drivers can keep their licence include exceptional hardship, such as loss of employment.

Neil Greig, IAM RoadSmart Director of Policy & Research, said: “The number of motorists still driving on UK roads with more than 12 points, or just under the driving ban threshold, is alarming.

“It is also an opportune occasion to educate motorists on some motoring laws that they might be unaware can result in licence points, so that motorists can change their driving habits and carry out regular basic checks of their vehicle to help make the roads safer for all users.”

Further data revealed by IAM RoadSmart’s Freedom of Information request also highlighted the postcode areas with the highest number of drivers with penalty points. These include Birmingham with 74,397, Sheffield with 56,876 and Nottingham with 56,245.

Top 10 most common driving offences which result in points:


Speed limits

  1. SP30 – Exceeding statutory speed limit on a public road – 3 to 6 points
  2. SP50 – Exceeding speed limit on a motorway – 3 to 6 points

Insurance offences

  1. IN10 – Using a vehicle uninsured against third party risks – 6 to 8 points

Construction and use offences

  1. CU80 – Breach of requirements as to control of the vehicle, such as using a mobile phone – 3 to 6 points

Traffic direction and signs

  1. TS10 – Failing to comply with traffic light signals – 3 points

Miscellaneous offences

  1. MS90 – Failure to give information as to identity of driver – 6 points

Licence offences

  1. LC20 – Driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence – 3 to 6 points

Construction and use offences

  1. CU30 – Using a vehicle with defective tyre(s) – 3 points

Careless driving

  1. CD30 – Driving without due care and attention or without reasonable consideration for other road users     – 3 to 9 points
  1.  CU50 Causing or likely to cause danger by reason of load or passengers – 3

New drivers should take extra care as they can amass points very quickly in their first two years of driving. This rule came into force on 1st June 1997.  Anyone of any age passing their first driving test is ‘on probation’ for two years.

A total of six or more penalty points during that time will mean they have to go back to learner status, apply for a new provisional licence and take the test again.

For advice on driving and motorcycle riding best practice, including details of IAM RoadSmart’s training courses on effective speed management and practical tips on vehicle checks, visit www.iamroadsmart.com.