As a concerned citizen of the United Kingdom, I urge the attention of my fellow citizens and the government to a serious issue. As of November 2024, shocking statistics revealed that an astounding 10,056 drivers in the UK had maintained a valid license despite having at least 12 points on their records. This occurs even though drivers face a ban if they accumulate these points within a three year span. Drivers can currently circumvent this ban if they make a case for "exceptional hardship" in court, such as work-related problems or family-care duties. Even if a driver has killed multiple people due to dangerous driving they can get back behind the wheel in just a few short years. This isn't right and it's time we addressed it.

The current driving penalties system is failing to dissuade dangerous driving and effectively issue justice for drivers breaking road safety rules. We propose a shift from the existing points system to a 3 strikes system, coupled with the introduction of lifetime bans for drivers who continue to endanger others on the road.

Any minor offence like using a mobile phone, speeding, careless/inconsiderate driving etc.. would lead to 1 strike, on the 3rd strike it should be a lifetime ban. Though for minor offences like speeding a strike would be at the courts discretion, for example - 

You are caught and charged for going 8mph over the limit and is your first offence, under the current system you may be offered a speed awareness course instead of points, under the new system the courts would be allowed to use the same discretion instead of applying a strike to your licence.

Cause death or serious injury by dangerous/drug/drink driving should be an instant lifetime ban, you wouldn't put a gun back into a murderers hands once they got out of prison would you?

Strikes would make the system and justice for offenders much more consistent across the board without drivers being able to wiggle out of it in court with sob stories. If your car is so important to you and your life then respect the rules or lose the privilege.

I believe this stricter, fairer system will not only deter reckless driving but also hold persistent offenders accountable and remove them from our roads. Let's prioritize the safety of all using our roads over convenience for those disregarding the rules. We're advocating for an urgent overhaul of the current rules - for the safety of our roads, our lives, and future generations. We urge the UK Government to listen to our concerns and act swiftly. Please sign and share this petition as we push for a safer and more responsible driving community in the UK.

(Petition has been updated to clarify that not all minor offences would result in a strike and would be at the courts discretion)