Thousands of drivers are allowed to keep their licence even though they have accrued enough penalty points to merit disqualification.
Figures from a freedom of information request show there are 8,632 drivers with at least 12 points.
Brake, the road safety charity, said it was “appalling” that they were not banned, and police leaders said that laws should be changed to stop drivers being granted exemptions in court.
Points are put on a licence when drivers are convicted for an offence, such as speeding (three to six points) and drink-driving (three to 11 points).
Under the totting-up system most drivers are disqualified for at least six months if they accrue 12 or more points within three years.
Courts have discretion to allow people to keep
