A 12 per cent increase in penalty points attributed to a driving offense

Increase in the number of drivers caught speed cameras has been blamed for a 12 percent increase in the number of penalty points awarded last year.

data obtained by co-op Drivers detected from driver and vehicle licensing agency’s insurance Britain 9.61 million points were achieved in 2024, up from 8.55 million during 2023.

The most common offense was speeding on public roads and motorways, followed by driving without insurance.

The amount of penalty points issued for an offense reflects its seriousness. They remain on license for between four and 11 years.

Drivers who accumulate at least 12 points over a three-year period are usually disqualified from driving for at least six months.

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In most speeding cases the offender is fined £100 and receives three points or is given the opportunity to complete a speed awareness course if they have not done one in the last three years.

Come President Edmund King described the increase in the number of issues issued as “alarming.”

He said, “This increase is due to the surge in speed camera offences, and the fact that a large proportion of repeat offenders have already been on a speed awareness course in the last three years, so points cannot be avoided by going on another course.”

Mr. King quoted separately home office The figures show that 2.71 million drivers were caught speeding in England and Wales in 2023, with 96 per cent of these offenses caught by cameras.

This compares to 1.49 million in 2011, when cameras were responsible for capturing 89 percent of the incidents.

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Analysis by Co-op Insurance shows that last year drivers in the South West were issued points at a higher rate relative to population than any other region of the UK, 51.0 points per 1,000 people.

London had the lowest rate at 35.2, followed by Scotland (35.3).

These figures were obtained in response to a Freedom of Information request.

Paul Evans, head of motor at Co-op Insurance, said: “Accumulating points for both speeding and driving without insurance can lead to higher premiums, and even disqualification from driving, as insurers consider drivers a higher risk if they receive 12 or more points on their licence.

“So we are encouraging motorists to make sure they drive safely and ensure they are covered so they can avoid fines, save money and reduce the risk of accidents on the roads.”

penalty points every year in uk

According to Co-op Insurance, this is the number of penalty points given to drivers in the UK each year from 2021: