Fourteen drivers from Hyndburn are allowed to drive on our roads despite reaching the penalty point limit of 12, the Observer can reveal.

One resident has  EIGHTEEN points on their licence but has escaped a ban, figures from the Driver and Vehicle Licence Agency (DVLA) show. Drivers can normally expect a ban of at least six months when they rack up 12 points within three years.

But eight people in Hyndburn are legally allowed to drive despite having the maximum 12 points.

Another driver has 13 points, two have 14 points, one has 16 points and another has 17 points on their licence.

Drivers can avoid punishment by claiming ‘exceptional hardship’. This can include family circumstances, loss of employment and finances and is subject to the courts’ discretion.

Siobhan MacMahon, from  road safety charity Brake, said: “It is outrageous that drivers who clock up the maximum 12 points are allowed to continue to drive.

“Drivers who repeatedly flout vital safety laws have shown complete disregard for the lives of other road users and put themselves and other road users in great danger.

"The government must put a stop to their illegal and dangerous driving before it results in a devastating crash, and ensure that drivers who reach the maximum number of points are disqualified.”

Magistrate and Hyndburn councillor Munsif Dad said: “When a case goes to court every detail is given for the magistrates for them to decide if they have a case to answer for.

“Every case is dealt with on its merits and the evidence provided and they decide if a particular case merits exceptional hardship.

“Those people still driving from Hyndburn have gone through the process  and a decision has been reached.

“If they are have exceptional hardship they are allowed to continue . It’s just one of those things and you take it on a case by case basis.”

The DVLA said: “The courts are able to use their discretion to decide whether or not to disqualify a driver.”