Latest news with #NickMullender
Daily Record
a day ago
- Automotive
- Daily Record
Car owners warned over common reason for getting penalty points
If you rack up 12 in a three-year period, you may be banned from driving for a period of time UK drivers are picking up penalty points at a worrying pace for driving unsafe vehicles, according to new statistics. The RAC has discovered that the number of drivers caught operating unroadworthy vehicles has surged by over 50 per cent in just a year. DVLA data reveals that 13,109 motorists were slapped with endorsements in 2024 for faults ranging from defective brakes and tyres to steering issues - a significant increase from 8,614 in 2023. Tyres were the most frequent problem, with 8,945 drivers penalised, while brake-related offences skyrocketed six-fold, from 181 to 1,190. Nick Mullender, RAC mobile servicing and repairs team leader, cautioned: "The steep increase in drivers receiving points on their licences for unroadworthy vehicles is a cause for alarm as it could indicate more drivers are running the gauntlet and driving unsafe vehicles ... a minority of drivers are needlessly putting the law-abiding majority at serious risk." Chief Superintendent Marc Clothier, who heads the National Roads Policing Operation for Intelligence and Investigations, chimed in: "These figures are shocking, and if you are driving an unroadworthy vehicle with defects such as tyres or brakes, you are not only putting yourself at risk but you are putting the lives of other road users at risk too. Ensuring your vehicle is roadworthy and safe is your responsibility." The issue is especially severe in particular areas. The East Midlands witnessed penalty numbers soar by 87%, whilst Greater London led the way with 1,765 endorsements - a 21% jump from 2023. Only certain Welsh regions went against the grain with minor decreases. eBay has also stepped forward, calling on drivers to focus on essential upkeep. Abir Tewari, UK Director of Commercial Operations, Parts & Accessories at eBay, said: "With cars staying on the road longer, regular maintenance is more important than ever. Simple, affordable fixes like replacing wipers or headlight bulbs can make a big difference, and with tyre installation services through our trusted partners, upgrading tyres is just as seamless. eBay makes it easy for motorists to keep their vehicles safe and roadworthy." RAC specialists suggest a swift inspection of tyres, brakes, lights, and steering could spare motorists from hefty penalties, endorsement points, or even worse consequences. With motors remaining on British roads for extended periods, basic servicing has become essential - it might mean the distinction between remaining secure or forfeiting your driving privileges.
Wales Online
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Wales Online
Drivers caught behind wheel of unroadworthy vehicles up 52% in a year
Drivers caught behind wheel of unroadworthy vehicles up 52% in a year A total of 13,109 British drivers were convicted of the offence in 2024, official data obtained by the RAC revealed. (Image: esp_imaging via Getty Images) The number of motorists caught driving unroadworthy vehicles jumped by 52% last year, new figures show, sparking fears that law-abiding road users are being put at "serious risk". A total of 13,109 British drivers were convicted of the offence in 2024, official data obtained by the RAC revealed. This is up from 8,614 during the previous 12 months. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency statistics, released in response to a freedom of information request, show the number of penalty point endorsements issued for driving vehicles with defective brakes, tyres, steering or other problems. The offence attracts three penalty points which stay on drivers' licences for four years. As the figures only reflect those caught, the RAC believes they represent the "tip of the iceberg" when it comes to the number of unroadworthy vehicles being used. RAC mobile servicing and repairs team leader Nick Mullender said: "The steep increase in drivers receiving points on their licences for unroadworthy vehicles is a cause for alarm, as it could indicate more drivers are running the gauntlet and driving unsafe vehicles – although it's also possible more drivers are being caught by the police. "Whether it's brakes, tyres, steering or something else, every mechanical component in a vehicle plays a critical role in ensuring it can be driven safely and confidently. "By getting behind the wheel of vehicles that are defective, a minority of drivers are needlessly putting the law-abiding majority at serious risk. "For every person caught there will doubtless be more who are knowingly in charge of unroadworthy vehicles that could be involved in completely avoidable collisions in the future. "We strongly urge drivers to keep on top of routine maintenance and get any issues checked by a well-qualified mobile mechanic or reputable garage." Chief Superintendent Marc Clothier, part of the portfolio for roads policing at the National Police Chiefs' Council, said: "These figures are shocking. Article continues below "If you are driving an unroadworthy vehicle with defects such as tyres or brakes, you are not only putting yourself at risk but you are putting the lives of other road users at risk too. "Ensuring your vehicle is roadworthy and safe to drive is your responsibility and we would encourage everyone to routinely check their vehicle before getting behind the wheel."
South Wales Guardian
2 days ago
- Automotive
- South Wales Guardian
Drivers caught behind wheel of unroadworthy vehicles up 52% in a year
A total of 13,109 British drivers were convicted of the offence in 2024, official data obtained by the RAC revealed. This is up from 8,614 during the previous 12 months. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency statistics, released in response to a freedom of information request, show the number of penalty point endorsements issued for driving vehicles with defective brakes, tyres, steering or other problems. The offence attracts three penalty points which stay on drivers' licences for four years. As the figures only reflect those caught, the RAC believes they represent the 'tip of the iceberg' when it comes to the number of unroadworthy vehicles being used. RAC mobile servicing and repairs team leader Nick Mullender said: 'The steep increase in drivers receiving points on their licences for unroadworthy vehicles is a cause for alarm, as it could indicate more drivers are running the gauntlet and driving unsafe vehicles – although it's also possible more drivers are being caught by the police. 'Whether it's brakes, tyres, steering or something else, every mechanical component in a vehicle plays a critical role in ensuring it can be driven safely and confidently. 'By getting behind the wheel of vehicles that are defective, a minority of drivers are needlessly putting the law-abiding majority at serious risk. 'For every person caught there will doubtless be more who are knowingly in charge of unroadworthy vehicles that could be involved in completely avoidable collisions in the future. 'We strongly urge drivers to keep on top of routine maintenance and get any issues checked by a well-qualified mobile mechanic or reputable garage.' Chief Superintendent Marc Clothier, part of the portfolio for roads policing at the National Police Chiefs' Council, said: 'These figures are shocking. 'If you are driving an unroadworthy vehicle with defects such as tyres or brakes, you are not only putting yourself at risk but you are putting the lives of other road users at risk too. 'Ensuring your vehicle is roadworthy and safe to drive is your responsibility and we would encourage everyone to routinely check their vehicle before getting behind the wheel.'
North Wales Chronicle
2 days ago
- Automotive
- North Wales Chronicle
Drivers caught behind wheel of unroadworthy vehicles up 52% in a year
A total of 13,109 British drivers were convicted of the offence in 2024, official data obtained by the RAC revealed. This is up from 8,614 during the previous 12 months. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency statistics, released in response to a freedom of information request, show the number of penalty point endorsements issued for driving vehicles with defective brakes, tyres, steering or other problems. The offence attracts three penalty points which stay on drivers' licences for four years. As the figures only reflect those caught, the RAC believes they represent the 'tip of the iceberg' when it comes to the number of unroadworthy vehicles being used. RAC mobile servicing and repairs team leader Nick Mullender said: 'The steep increase in drivers receiving points on their licences for unroadworthy vehicles is a cause for alarm, as it could indicate more drivers are running the gauntlet and driving unsafe vehicles – although it's also possible more drivers are being caught by the police. 'Whether it's brakes, tyres, steering or something else, every mechanical component in a vehicle plays a critical role in ensuring it can be driven safely and confidently. 'By getting behind the wheel of vehicles that are defective, a minority of drivers are needlessly putting the law-abiding majority at serious risk. 'For every person caught there will doubtless be more who are knowingly in charge of unroadworthy vehicles that could be involved in completely avoidable collisions in the future. 'We strongly urge drivers to keep on top of routine maintenance and get any issues checked by a well-qualified mobile mechanic or reputable garage.' Chief Superintendent Marc Clothier, part of the portfolio for roads policing at the National Police Chiefs' Council, said: 'These figures are shocking. 'If you are driving an unroadworthy vehicle with defects such as tyres or brakes, you are not only putting yourself at risk but you are putting the lives of other road users at risk too. 'Ensuring your vehicle is roadworthy and safe to drive is your responsibility and we would encourage everyone to routinely check their vehicle before getting behind the wheel.'
Rhyl Journal
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Rhyl Journal
Drivers caught behind wheel of unroadworthy vehicles up 52% in a year
A total of 13,109 British drivers were convicted of the offence in 2024, official data obtained by the RAC revealed. This is up from 8,614 during the previous 12 months. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency statistics, released in response to a freedom of information request, show the number of penalty point endorsements issued for driving vehicles with defective brakes, tyres, steering or other problems. The offence attracts three penalty points which stay on drivers' licences for four years. As the figures only reflect those caught, the RAC believes they represent the 'tip of the iceberg' when it comes to the number of unroadworthy vehicles being used. RAC mobile servicing and repairs team leader Nick Mullender said: 'The steep increase in drivers receiving points on their licences for unroadworthy vehicles is a cause for alarm, as it could indicate more drivers are running the gauntlet and driving unsafe vehicles – although it's also possible more drivers are being caught by the police. 'Whether it's brakes, tyres, steering or something else, every mechanical component in a vehicle plays a critical role in ensuring it can be driven safely and confidently. 'By getting behind the wheel of vehicles that are defective, a minority of drivers are needlessly putting the law-abiding majority at serious risk. 'For every person caught there will doubtless be more who are knowingly in charge of unroadworthy vehicles that could be involved in completely avoidable collisions in the future. 'We strongly urge drivers to keep on top of routine maintenance and get any issues checked by a well-qualified mobile mechanic or reputable garage.' Chief Superintendent Marc Clothier, part of the portfolio for roads policing at the National Police Chiefs' Council, said: 'These figures are shocking. 'If you are driving an unroadworthy vehicle with defects such as tyres or brakes, you are not only putting yourself at risk but you are putting the lives of other road users at risk too. 'Ensuring your vehicle is roadworthy and safe to drive is your responsibility and we would encourage everyone to routinely check their vehicle before getting behind the wheel.'
