A CHARITY is demanding tougher treatment for drivers who repeatedly break the law after it emerged hundreds of repeat offenders are being allowed back on the road.

Research published today by charity Brake and insurers Direct Line has revealed that more than 10,000 motorists in this country have clocked up 12 points on their licence, but have not been disqualified from driving. The study found that 43 per cent of drivers reaching the 12-point threshold had successfully claimed that a ban would cause them “exceptional hardship”.

The figures include more than 280 drivers in the North- East and 610 from Yorkshire and Humberside who have been allowed to carry on driving.

In one case, a driver from Newcastle totted up 27 points, but still escaped a ban.

Julie Townsend, campaigns director with Brake, said: “We are asking the Government to act quickly to address this appalling situation.

“Clearly, when the points system was designed, it was not intended that nearly half of drivers with 12 points would evade disqualification.

“It is outrageous these individuals, who rack up offence after offence, are allowed to continue driving, causing enormous risk to the public.”

Brake is calling on the Government to introduce automatic bans for drivers reaching 12 points.