A SHOCKING number of drivers across Dorset are still on the road despite having enough points to rack up a ban, figures show.

Figures obtained in a freedom of information request to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), show that 84 drivers across the county were still driving despite amassing a significant quantity of points.

Among the figures obtained include two drivers who have racked up 19 penalty points while another had 18 points.

Currently, under the law, drivers who have 12 penalty points can be banned from driving for up to six months by a court.

However, an exception can be made if the defendant can prove to the magistrate that losing their licence will cause “exceptional hardship”, however job loss isn’t included in this exception.

Among the worst area in the country was Greater London where more than 1,385 drivers who are eligible for a ban were still driving with more than 12 points with the figure falling to 900 across the South Coast and 10,000 nationally.

Meanwhile, in neighbouring Hampshire, this figure stood at more than 170 while in Devon, the figure stood at 102.

David Nichols, community engagement manager at Brake, a road safety charity said: "This makes a mockery of our penalty points system that exists to protect the public from selfish and dangerous repeat offenders.

"Brake is calling on the government to ensure that all drivers with more than 12 penalty points get an automatic ban."

Jon Wilshere, chief underwriting officer at esure, he was "astonished" about the figures.

He said: "If drivers continue to flout the law then there needs to be clear consequences.

"Driving safely not only guards you against getting points on your licence but also keeps drivers, passengers and other road users safe."

However, Sheena Jowett, deputy chair of the Magistrates Association hit back saying that numerous factors were taken into account when disqualifying a driver.

She said: "Magistrates take decisions under clear guidelines, impartially, and on the merits of each individual case.

"Automatic disqualification can be avoided or reduced in cases of ‘exceptional hardship, the process is a robust one and the concept of hardship must be proved to an exceptional level."

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said that the decision was down to the courts who would take the full facts into account when determining a case.

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