News

New drivers could lose their licences as quickly as they gained them if they fall foul of the law.

The Kent and Medway Safety Camera Partnership is warning new drivers that if they get six or more penalty points within two years of passing their test their licence will be taken away. This means that after only two speeding fines they could be disqualified *.

If disqualified, new drivers must obtain a provisional licence, drive as a learner and pass both the theory and practical tests again. Not only will it cost time and money to re-take the tests, their new-found independence is lost and it's back to relying on public transport, friends and parents.

Katherine Barrett, communications officer for Kent & Medway Safety Camera Partnership, said: "About 15% of the speeding tickets issued are to 17 to 30 year olds. We're liberal in that we give a 10% + 2mph tolerance on all our cameras, so getting a ticket is either through blatant disregard for the speed limit or simply not knowing what the limit is.

With regards to speed I can offer two simple tips to keep hold of your licence: always drive within the legal speed limit - make sure you know what it is by looking for the signs and if there aren't any signs but there are streetlights it's probably 30mph; and find out where the cameras are so you can be prepared.

*In addition to speeding fines drivers also get points for the following offences:

Speeding 3-6: Traffic light offence 3: Careless and inconsiderate driving 3-9:
Driving without insurance 6-8:
Failing to stop after an accident or failing to report an accident 5-10:
Failing to identify the driver of a vehicle 3:
Driving when disqualified 6:
Driving other than in accordance with a licence 3-6: