Driving penalty points up 12% in a year after ‘boom’ in speed camera offences

A surge in drivers being caught by speed cameras has been blamed for a 12% increase in the number of penalty points added to licences last year.

Figures obtained by Co-op Insurance show drivers in Britain received 9.61 million points in 2024.

That was compared with 8.55 million during 2023, and continues a trend of the total rising every year since 2021.

Speeding on public roads and on motorways were the most common offences in both of the past two years.

They were followed by driving an uninsured vehicle.

The amount of penalty points issued for an offence reflects its severity. They remain on licences for between four and 11 years.

Drivers who accumulate at least 12 points in a three-year period are usually disqualified from driving for at least six months.

Most speeding cases result in the offender being fined £100 and receiving three points or given the opportunity to complete a speed awareness course, if they have not done one in the previous three years.

AA president Edmund King described the rise in the number of points being issued as “worrying”.

He told the PA news agency: “The increase is due to the boom in speed camera offences, and the fact that a higher proportion of repeat offenders have already been on a speed awareness course in the last three years, so can’t avoid points by going on another course.”

Mr King cited separate Home Office figures showing 2.71 million drivers were caught speeding in England and Wales in 2023, with 96% of offences detected by cameras.

That is compared with 1.49 million in 2011, when cameras were responsible for spotting 89% of incidents.

Analysis by Co-op Insurance shows points were issued to drivers in the South West at a higher rate per population size than any other region in Britain last year, at 51.0 points per 1,000 people.

London had the smallest rate at 35.2, followed by Scotland (35.3).

The figures were obtained from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency in response to a Freedom of Information request.

Paul Evans, head of motor at Co-op Insurance, said: “Accumulating points for both speeding and driving without insurance can lead to higher premiums, and even disqualification from driving, due to insurers deeming drivers to be a greater risk should they receive 12 or more points on their licence.

“We’re therefore encouraging motorists to ensure that they drive safely and to ensure that they’re covered so that they can avoid penalties, save money and reduce the risk of accidents whilst on the roads.”

– This is the number of penalty points awarded to drivers in Britain each year from 2021, according to Co-op Insurance:
2021: 2,803,432
2022: 7,329,228
2023: 8,545,646
2024: 9,610,237