Dozens still driving with more than 12 points

Figures obtained by the Advertiser from the DVLA show 43 licences in the Rotherham area that remain valid with at least 12 points — the usual number at which a driver can be disqualified.

The postcode in the borough with the most offenders is the central S60 zone, while S66 boasts four drivers with 15 points or more to their name.

The figures also show one driver in S65 kept their licence despite having 18 penalty points, while S66 had three with 15 and one with 16.

Chief Insp Stuart Walne, head of roads policing for South Yorkshire Police, said: “Drivers should expect that they will receive a mandatory disqualification upon reaching 12 points and the majority will.

“There is an element of discretion available to magistrates to consider extenuating circumstances in determining a disqualification.

“Whether or not this is imposed, the driver will face penalties beyond the court action, such as increased costs for insurance and refusal by hire firms both here and abroad.”

A driver who reaches 12 points is usually disqualified, but if they are able to prove to the court that such a decision would cause “exceptional hardship” — such as being unable to get to their place of work — they may be allowed to keep their licence.

However, if the driver goes on to pick up any further points in the next three years, the same circumstances cannot be used as justification more than once, meaning that the ten Rotherham drivers with 15 points or more would have to prove a new set of exceptional circumstances the second time.

A breakdown by postcode area:

S60: 9 (seven drivers with 12 points, one 13 and one 14) 

S61: 6 (five with 12 and a 15)

S62: 3 (12, 14, 15)

S63: 7 (five with 12, two with 15)

S64: 5 (four with 12 and one with 13)

S65: 6 (four with 12, one with 17 and another with 18)

S66: 7 (three with 12, three 15 and another with 16)