MORE than 100 motorists in East Lancashire have been issued 12 or more penalty points on their driving licence.

Figures provided by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency show that 118 motorists in East Lancashire have been handed a dozen or more points on their licence in June 2017.

Blackburn with Darwen clocked up the highest levels in East Lancashire and nationally with 67 drivers issued with 12 or more points on it on their licence.

This was more than double the next highest recorded figures in the county - Pendle - where 22 motorists were issued with a dozen or more points.

In other parts of East Lancashire, 17 motorists were recorded in Burnley, 16 in Hyndburn and eight in Rossendale.

Ribble Valley recorded the lowest total in East Lancashire, with just four motorists issued with 12 or more penalty points.

Blackburn with Darwen MP Kate Hollern said: "I am shocked and really concerned by these statistics.

"Allowing people to continue to drive whilst having a high number of points on their license not only makes a mockery of the justice system but also makes our roads more dangerous.

"I understand the decision on the penalty imposed is up to the justice system, however there needs to be a clear and consistent message that dangerous driving is not acceptable and a severe penalty will be imposed on those that choose to ignore the law."

Jason Wakeford, Director of Campaigns for Brake, the road safety charity, said:

""People who clock up over 12 points should face an automatic ban - there needs to be a clear message that dangerous driving will not be tolerated."

"These are irresponsible individuals who have shown disregard for the law and the lives of other road users, time after time."

As part of our Stop the Madness campaign, The Lancashire Telegraph has also been calling for tougher penalties for drivers who break the rules.

It calls for a ban on under-25s being able to hire high-performance vehicles, probationary driver status to be compulsory for the first 12 months after passing a test and stronger sentences for anyone convicted of dangerous driving.

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: “Drivers who kill ruin lives and must face the full force of the law. While we can never compensate for the loss of a loved one, we are clear that the punishment must fit the crime.

"We are now considering the consultation responses. Any announcement will be made in due course."