The postcodes of people in Bolton where the most driving penalty points have been issued in an estimated three-year period have been revealed.

In the borough, 11,957 penalty points were handed out to dangerous drivers, designed to penalise those who break the law, deter dangerous driving, and keep drivers, passengers and all other road users safe.

The postcodes in Bolton with the most penalty points handed out included BL1 with 3,039 points, BL3 with 2,342, BL2 with 1,958, BL4 with 1,253, BL6 with 1,335, BL5 with 1,100, and BL7 with 930.

The data relates to licence points added as of February 3 this year.

Most points stay on a licence for three years so it is likely that most of the ones included in the data were added between February 3, 2021 and February 3, 2024.

The postcodes are in reference to where the driver is from.

This is in comparison to the Bury postcodes getting penalty points, with people in BL9 getting 2,211, BL8 being given 1,488, and BL0 being given 940, bringing it a total of 4,639.

In Stockport which has a similar population to Bolton, 4,239 penalty points were given to people.

The most common reasons for people getting points on their licence, include speeding, using a mobile device while driving, careless driving, usually meaning to cause no harm but can have serious consequences, dangerous driving, actively reckless driving or aggressive behaviour, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

A spokesperson for Swansway Motor Group said: “It’s unfortunate to see so many drivers in a concentrated area with the highest points per population. 

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​"It’s important to consider other road users such as motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians. Our priority on any journey should be the safety of ourselves and those around us.

“Points on a licence can deter people from taking unsafe actions, whether this is risky driving such as speeding or driving while using a mobile phone, to ensuring your vehicle is well maintained and road-worthy, to getting behind the wheel after drinking or using drugs, all which could have serious consequences. 

“The system is there to keep us safe and remind us to always remain sensible when behind the wheel of a vehicle.”

In areas where people had a Manchester postcode, 43,341 penalty points were handed out.

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