Over 140,000 UK Drivers Banned from Getting Behind the Wheel
A staggering 140,000 driving licence holders in the UK are currently banned from driving, according to data from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). This equates to one in every 374 drivers, with Liverpool topping the list for the highest number of people banned from driving.
The data, obtained by online provider of temporary car insurance Dayinsure through a Freedom of Information request, reveals that Liverpool has the highest proportion of banned drivers, with one in 210 drivers banned. A total of 3,154 people in Liverpool are currently disqualified from driving. Other areas with high numbers of banned drivers include Bradford, Teesside, and Leeds.
Drivers can be disqualified for a variety of reasons, including accumulating 12 or more points on their licence. They can also face bans for being found guilty of serious driving offences, or for driving dangerously or recklessly. The duration of a driving ban is dependent on the offence and can range from six months to two years or longer. In certain cases, drivers are required to retake their test before they can legally get back behind the wheel.
The top 10 hotspots for banned drivers in the UK, as reported by the Liverpool Echo, are:
- Liverpool – one in 210 drivers banned (3,154 people)
- Bradford – one in 210 drivers banned (2,159 people)
- Teesside – one in 213 drivers banned (2,207 people)
- Llandudno – 1 in 244 drivers banned (1,737 people)
- Wakefield – 1 in 248 drivers banned (1,691 people)
- Blackburn – 1 in 251 drivers banned (1,577 people)
- Leeds – 1 in 253 drivers banned (2,457 people)
- Oldham – 1 in 254 drivers banned (1,470 people)
- Sunderland – 1 in 255 drivers banned (713 people)
- Halifax – 1 in 264 drivers banned (485 people)
Nicholas Shaw, Managing Director at Dayinsure, said: "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." He highlighted the critical need for attentiveness on the roads, and added: "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."
The Liverpool Echo reports that 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."
Additional caution from the Government website mentions that fines can escalate to £1,000 if changes are not communicated to DVLA in time. As outlined by GOV.UK: "You must update your driving licence, vehicle log book (V5C), Direct Debit for vehicle tax and other details when you move home."
The data obtained by Dayinsure serves as a reminder to motorists of the importance of safe and responsible driving. With over 140,000 drivers currently banned from driving, it is clear that more needs to be done to promote road safety and prevent careless and dangerous driving.
In related news, motorists are advised to ensure they are fully insured in case of an accident. The Liverpool Echo reports that Nicholas Shaw, Managing Director at Dayinsure, urged motorists to take extra care and attention when driving, and to make sure they are fully insured in case the worst happens.
The alarming statistics highlight the need for continued education and awareness campaigns to promote road safety and responsible driving practices. As the Liverpool Echo reports, it is essential for motorists to take heed of the data and make a conscious effort to drive safely and responsibly.
Source: Liverpool Echo
