81% of consumers want all reckless drivers banned, finds Venson

Four-fifths (81%) of consumers believe that all reckless drivers – regardless of their offence – should lose their licence and made to retake their tests, research from Venson has found.

Driving dangerously can result in motorists facing imprisonment, an unlimited fine or an obligatory disqualification.

However, drivers more commonly receive points on their licence.

The release of the survey results coincide with the fifth UN Road Safety Week (May 6-12), which this year aims to raise awareness of on-road risks and is urging people to lobby governments, international agencies, schools, universities and private companies to do more to make the world’s roads safer.

Alison Bell, marketing director at Venson Automotive Solutions, said: “UN Road Safety Week shines a spotlight on the need for greater action, when it comes to reducing the risks for all road users.

“It’s clear from our survey that the British public would like to see more leadership from the Government as well as greater responsibility by private companies, with many calling for harsher penalties for reckless driving.”

The fleet solutions provider found that 25% of respondents said driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (including prescription medication) the most reckless driving offence.

Second was speeding (24%), while distracted driving, such as using a mobile phone or eating at the wheel, was third at 12%.

Venson asked drivers how reckless driving by others should be addressed by the Government; 81% called for an immediate licence ban, 80% appealed for the introduction of harsher fines and 74% said they would like to see the maximum penalty increased for careless driving that resulted in a fatality (currently five years imprisonment.

More than 64% would like to see compulsory speed awareness courses introduced – currently speeding offenders have a choice to either pay a fine or take a speed awareness course.