Top UK Driver Hotspots Revealed: Where Are Britain's Worst Drivers?

By Michael Anderson

April 8, 2025 at 07:11 PM

UK's worst driver hotspots in 2025 reveal significant regional variations in driving penalties, according to Department of Transport data analyzed by Apteco. This comprehensive analysis shows where drivers are most likely to accumulate penalty points for traffic violations.

Driving student taking license exam

Driving student taking license exam

Areas with Most Penalty Points:

  • Halifax: 11.6% of drivers have points
  • Huddersfield: 10.5%
  • Leeds: 10.4%

UK penalty points by postal area

UK penalty points by postal area

Areas with Fewest Penalty Points:

  • Outer Hebrides: 3.9%
  • Galashiels: 4.4%
  • Canterbury: 4.7%

Key Findings:

  • South West regions (TR, PL, and EX postcodes) show higher penalty rates compared to similar rural areas
  • Scotland consistently shows lower percentages of drivers with penalty points
  • The UK ranks sixth globally for road safety

Common Violations:

  • Speeding
  • Mobile phone use while driving
  • Dangerous driving
  • Driving without insurance
  • Ignoring road signs or traffic signals

Regional Patterns:

  • Northern English cities show higher concentrations of penalty points
  • Scottish drivers demonstrate better compliance with traffic laws
  • Tourist-heavy areas generally show varied results, with South West having notably higher rates than similar regions

This data helps inform policy decisions, insurance considerations, and road safety initiatives across the United Kingdom.

The variations in penalty point distribution highlight the need for targeted road safety measures and driver education programs in specific regions, particularly in areas with higher violation rates.

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