Torfaen has the highest proportion of disqualified drivers in Wales

The data, provided by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), also ranks Torfaen as having the third highest proportion of disqualified drivers in the UK, closely followed by Blaenau Gwent.

Newport and Caerphilly also made the top 20 in the UK. Monmouthshire is the only part of Gwent not included on the list.

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The rankings were calculated using the percentage of disqualified drivers in each region versus the number of people who had successfully passed their test using official DVLA data.

 

The Orkney Islands, in Scotland, topped the list with 1 in 10 drivers being disqualified.

Wales made up half of the regions featured in the top 20, closely followed by Scotland with six.

While the reasons for these high number of disqualifications predominantly stem from the more well-known offences, including speeding or drink driving, many are now being penalised for other offences including ‘careless driving’ where drivers are judged to be lacking awareness and attention for other road users.

 

Neil Greig, director of policy and research spokesman for UK road safety charity I AM RoadSmart, said: “With the winter months making road safety a top priority for many, the data highlights how many drivers are falling foul of the law at different rates across the country.

“While variations in police enforcement and vehicle types make comparisons difficult it is worrying that so many rural areas seem to have high numbers of people willing to break the law.

“This means that not only do road users have to look out for all the usual country road problems and the cold weather but also anticipate the actions of those around them.

“The message is clear; if you live in one of the areas highlighted then you will need all your observation skills to be as safe as possible on every trip.”

The figures were obtained by contact lens retailer, Feel Good Contacts, through a Freedom of Information (FOI) request.

Ashish Mathur, eye care specialist at Feel Good Contacts, said: “No driver wants to be a danger to others, so it’s crucial that we are all aware of our impact on other road users. All drivers should get their eyes tested regularly, particularly if they feel they are struggling to see a minimum of 20 metres away."

For more information about the findings, visit: www.feelgoodcontacts.com/blog/britains-worst-drivers