Dangerous drivers must be removed from Scotland's roads

An analysis of Scottish road safety sentencing data carried out by Cycling Scotland has revealed the low numbers of lengthy driving bans being issued for serious driving offences.

Analysis of data sourced through a freedom of information (FOI) request shows that lengthy driving bans are rare in Scotland.

In the 10-year period from 2012 to 2022, 68,700 people were convicted in court of driving offences serious enough for a driving ban of any duration, having created a risk to themselves and other people. Only 121 (0.2%) received a lifetime driving ban, and only 95 people (0.1%) were banned for more than 10 years.

Of people convicted of causing death by careless or dangerous driving, only 2% were banned for longer than 10 years, and less than a third required to re-sit a driving test.

Only 13% of those convicted of careless driving were disqualified for any duration, with just 6% of speeding convictions resulting in a ban.

Scottish road safety data[1] shows that poor or illegal driving behaviours are the most frequent cause of fatal and serious injury collisions.

Additionally, figures previously issued by Police Scotland[2] have highlighted that 40% of drivers deemed responsible for fatal crashes between 2015 and 2020 had previous driving convictions, indicating that driving bans can save lives.

Cycling Scotland Chief Executive Keith Irving said: “There are too many people previously caught driving dangerously who are killing other people or themselves through repeated poor or illegal driving.”

If we are to prevent serious injuries and deaths, and support more people to walk, wheel and cycle for everyday journeys, the most dangerous drivers have to be removed from our roads.

“Increasing the use of driving bans for those convicted of more serious instances of careless driving and speeding is one way we can reduce casualties, by maximising the deterrent and removing people who pose the greatest risk from our roads.

“There is also an overwhelming case for those who commit the most serious offences, often repeatedly, to be banned for longer and so eliminate the risks they pose to other road users and themselves.”

Howard Jones, CEO of RoadPeace, the national charity for road crash victims, said:
"Driving is a privilege, not a right, and those who repeatedly put lives at risk through dangerous or illegal driving must face stronger penalties, including lengthy driving bans.

"The current approach is failing to deter dangerous drivers and protect vulnerable road users. RoadPeace, the national charity for road crash victims, supports families whose lives have been torn apart by road collisions, and we know all too well the devastation caused by preventable crashes.

"If Scotland is serious about achieving Vision Zero, it’s vital that the justice system acts decisively to remove the most dangerous drivers from our roads for longer, ensuring safer journeys for all."