In research carried out by Brake, drivers want to see higher fines for repeat offenders
The survey of 1,000 people showed that nearly half would like to see fines of over £500 for traffic offences such as speeding, careless driving and driving whilst using a handheld device and nearly 80% would want fines over £200. There appeared to be annoyance from the respondents of totters, those that get to 12 points or more on their licence, that carry on driving due to exceptional hardship.
Brake gave some high profile examples of celebrities that have “gotten off” a driving ban by pleading exceptional hardship. Stoke City manager, Tony Pulis argued in court that if he were to receive a driving ban his team would be relegated to the detriment of Stoke fans. Pulis is now driving around on 15 points. John Barnes pleaded that he couldn’t afford a chauffeur and couldn’t rely on public transport after being caught driving without insurance.