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Why are drivers with excess points still allowed to drive?
In the UK, drivers can retain their licenses even after accumulating 12 or more penalty points due to the legal concept of 'exceptional hardship.' This allows some individuals to avoid disqualification if they can demonstrate that losing their license would cause significant personal or financial difficulties.
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What are the calls for mandatory retraining about?
Road safety advocates, including IAM RoadSmart, are calling for mandatory retraining for drivers who repeatedly offend. They argue that current measures are insufficient to ensure road safety, especially in light of alarming statistics, such as one driver holding 176 points. Retraining could help reinforce safe driving practices among repeat offenders.
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How does the legal framework define 'exceptional hardship'?
The term 'exceptional hardship' is not clearly defined in law, leading to varied interpretations. Generally, it refers to situations where disqualification would cause undue hardship, such as loss of employment or inability to care for dependents. This ambiguity has raised concerns about its application and whether it adequately protects public safety.
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What are the implications for road safety in the UK?
The presence of drivers with excessive points raises serious concerns about road safety. With over 10,000 drivers legally on the road despite their infractions, the risk of accidents increases. Advocacy groups are urging for stricter regulations and transparency in the licensing process to better balance personal mobility with public safety.
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What actions are being taken to address this issue?
In response to these concerns, organizations like the Suzy Lamplugh Trust and IAM RoadSmart are pushing for legislative changes. They advocate for a review of the definitions surrounding exceptional hardship and the implementation of stricter penalties for repeat offenders to enhance road safety and protect vulnerable road users.