Million Motorists Teeter on the Brink

More than a million motorists are now just one conviction from losing licences.

As many as 16 per cent have penalty points for speeding, research from car insurance company Direct Line found.

Of these, 21 per cent are one conviction from disqualification - up from 17 per cent last year.

This means the number of drivers on the brink has risen by more than 215,000 in 12 months.

The worst hit area is north east England (20 per cent), while only eight per cent of motorists in the south west are near disqualification.

Direct Line said with the proliferation of speed cameras, drivers have paid out more than pounds 300 million in fines in three years.

Nearly half convictions involved drivers being over the limit by less than 10mph.

Under the new graduated penalty points system, drivers going less than 10mph over the limit are likely to receive fewer points than the current three.

The research found 75 per cent of drivers supported the Government's proposal.

Direct Line motor spokeswoman Emma Holyer said: "We urge motorists not to break the law as they could face consequences such as killing or injuring themselves, disqualification, job and financial loss. We fully support the graduated penalty points system."

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