A ban is only safe answer

We can accept that, in some cases, there are exceptional circumstances that mean drivers with more than 12 penalty points can continue to drive.

There are times when we have to trust the discretion of magistrates.

News that more than 10,000 motorists are allowed on the roads despite having 12 or more penalty points on their licence suggests the public are getting a raw deal - and that magistrates are too lenient.

News that a local driver is still on the road despite accruing 39 penalty points simply makes a mockery of the system.

The system is lenient enough.

Points can only be accrued by repeat offending giving the motorist a chance to modify his or her behaviour to ensure they obey the rules of the road.

To have reached as many as 39 points and still be on the road is beyond the pale.

The worst offender in the UK to still be on the roads has amassed 51 points! How can that possibly be in the best interest of the public?

With the best will in the world, to be on the roads having more than double the 12 points that usually gets you banned is a recipe for disaster.

The Ministry of Justice allows magistrates to reconsider a ban based on the evidence presented.

Unfortunately, this has given drivers who should not be on the road an escape route.

We’re sure there are exceptional circumstances in some cases ... but 10,000?

It’s a back door escape route that needs to be slammed shut.

The argument to dish out an automatic ban for those who accrue 12 points is too persuasive to be ignored.

For safety’s sake, ban the offenders.