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Motor vehicle drivers

Unroadworthy Vehicles on the Rise: 52% Spike in Drivers Caught Behind the Wheel of Defective Vehicles

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The number of drivers caught operating unroadworthy vehicles in the UK has surged by a staggering 52% in the past year, according to new data from the RAC, a leading motoring organization. A total of 13,109 drivers were found guilty of driving with faulty brakes, tyres, steering, or other issues in 2024, a significant increase from the 8,614 recorded in the previous year. This rise has raised concerns that responsible motorists are being exposed to "serious risk" as they share the roads with drivers of defective vehicles.

Key Takeaways:

  • The number of drivers caught operating unroadworthy vehicles increased by 52% in the past year, from 8,614 in 2023 to 13,109 in 2024.
  • The RAC suggests that the actual number of unroadworthy vehicles on the roads may be much higher, with these statistics only accounting for drivers apprehended by the authorities.
  • Drivers found guilty of operating unroadworthy vehicles receive three penalty points, which remain on their licences for four years.
  • The RAC is urging drivers to prioritize routine maintenance and get any issues checked by a qualified mobile mechanic or reputable garage.
  • The National Police Chiefs' Council is warning drivers that operating an unroadworthy vehicle is not only a risk to themselves but also to other road users.
  • Nick Mullender, RAC's mobile servicing and repairs team lead, emphasized the importance of vehicle maintenance and the potential risks associated with driving unroadworthy vehicles.
  • Chief Superintendent Mark Clothier, National Police Chiefs' Council, highlighted the responsibility of drivers to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and safe to drive.

Statistics:

  • 13,109 drivers were found guilty of driving with faulty vehicles in 2024.
  • This represents a 52% rise from the 8,614 drivers recorded in 2023.
  • 3 penalty points are issued to drivers found guilty of operating unroadworthy vehicles.
  • The penalty points remain on the driver's licence for 4 years.
  • The actual number of unroadworthy vehicles on the roads may be much higher, given that these statistics only account for drivers apprehended by the authorities.

Sources:

  • RAC (no date) - Figures obtained from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency following a freedom of information request.
  • PA Transport Correspondent Neil Lancefield (no date) - "The number of drivers caught behind the wheel of unroadworthy vehicles has surged by 52% in the past year."
  • National Police Chiefs' Council (no date) - Chief Superintendent Mark Clothier quoted in PA Transport Correspondent Neil Lancefield article.
  • Rui Vieira/PA Wire (no date) - Caption for image accompanying the article.

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