Yorkshire Leads the Pack in Penalty Points: Which UK regions follow?

The latest analysis reveals that Yorkshire has the highest proportion of drivers with penalty points in the UK, according to research by Quotezone.co.uk.

The study shows that 7.8% of drivers in Yorkshire have penalty points on their licences. South West England follows closely with 6.3%, and the East Midlands rounds out the top three at 6.2%.

Penalty points serve as a critical measure of driver behaviour and road safety. Points are assigned for offences such as speeding, running red lights, and mobile phone use while driving. These points can accumulate, potentially leading to driving bans for repeat offenders.

The research also highlights a widespread perception of dangerous driving among UK motorists. A survey conducted found that 97% of respondents considered themselves good drivers, yet 83% were willing to report others for reckless driving. Furthermore, 32% acknowledged that they knew someone within their social circles who drives poorly.

Here's a breakdown of the regions with the highest percentage of drivers with penalty points:

• Yorkshire: 7.8%

• South West England: 6.3%

• East Midlands: 6.2%

• North East England: 6.0%

• Scotland: 6.0%

• North West England: 5.7%

• Wales: 5.7%

• East of England: 5.6%

• London: 5.6%

• South East England: 5.6%

• West Midlands: 5.6%

Greg Wilson, CEO and car insurance expert at Quotezone.co.uk, said: “Penalty points are intended to stop motorists from driving dangerously, the more serious the motoring offence, the more points a driver will get - with some of the most serious and also the most common offences being speeding, driving under the influence and using a mobile phone while driving.

“It only takes a moment to get distracted or lose concentration but that can’t happen behind the wheel, drivers need to be mindful of the dangers and wary of all other road users.

“In a recent Quotezone survey, we asked over 1000 people if they’d report other road users for dangerous driving, 83% said they would and 83% also said they had actually witnessed a dangerous act.  We also asked if they would consider any of their friends or family as bad drivers, with a third saying yes, they would.

“Quotezone data then showed Yorkshire as the region with the most dangerous drivers, with 7.8% of drivers with penalty points.

“Every conviction including a penalty point is also likely to increase car insurance premiums by 5% for three points and 25% for six points – our survey showed 47% had their premium price affected by penalty points.”