Car insurance news

Driver with 31 penalty points escapes ban

Getting a cheap car insurance deal might prove to be something of a struggle for a Manchester salesman after totting up a staggering 31 points on his driving licence.

60-year-old Jeffrey Englander accumulated the points after committing various motoring offences including speeding and failing to produce car insurance documentation. Drivers are normally disqualified when they collect 12 points, but Mr Englander has managed to avoid a ban despite having nearly three times that number.

Road safety campaigners have slammed the bench at Salford Magistrates' Court for allowing Mr Englander to walk free after his latest appearance, and a spokesman for Roadpeace said, "I've never previously come across someone with such a number of points on their licence.

"We are alarmed that the court sees fit to allow this person to continue driving while he appears to have no qualms about flouting driving regulations."

The 60-year-old salesman was dealt with leniently by magistrates after he claimed that a ban would put his new business at risk. Somewhat surprised at his good fortune, he told reporters, "I pleaded hardship and had a fantastic magistrate who let me off, I couldn't believe it.

"I was very apologetic. You have to be very, very humble. The more they can see you are sorry, the more chance you have of getting off. I was very humble and also dressed respectfully."

Despite not having his driving licence seized, Jeffrey Englander is likely to find it difficult to get a cheap quote for his next motor insurance premium, as Rebecca Pearson, spokeswoman for Duck2Water Car Insurance Services, specialists in cheap car insurance, confirmed, "A driver with 31 points on his licence is obviously a risk to himself and others and so should expect to pay more to be covered."

Mr Englander has now promised to mend his ways, saying, "I'm not going to push things. I'm just driving very, very carefully now. I don't need any more problems."