SW worst region for motorist penalty points

A SURGE in drivers being caught by speed cameras has been blamed for a 12% increase in the number of penalty points added to licences last year with the South West ranked the worst region.

- NEIL LANCEFIELD

Figures obtained by Coop Insurance show drivers in Britain received 9.61 million points in 2024.

That was compared with 8.55 million during 2023, and continues a trend of the total rising every year since 2021.

Speeding on public roads and on motorways were the most common offences in both of the past two years.

They were followed by driving an uninsured vehicle.

The amount of penalty points issued for an offence reflects its severity. They remain on licences for between four and 11 years.

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