Convictions for driving with defective car parts hits decade high

The number of motorists convicted for driving with defective vehicle parts last year reached its highest level since 2014.

Analysis of Ministry of Justice data reveals that 12,349 licence holders rang up offences for getting behind the wheel with illegal tyres, brakes and other components on their cars in England and Wales in 2022. 

This is an 18 per cent increase from the 10,478 convictions a year previous and raises serious concerns that Britons might be neglecting their motors.

See below how many drivers were convicted for driving with defective vehicle parts in the previous two years where you live. 

Are we a nation that neglects our cars? Convictions for driving with defective vehicle parts hits decade high, according to new analysis of government data

Defective vehicle part offences also include driving with dodgy steering and breaching legal exhaust emission limits. 

Of all the reasons for convictions, defective tyres were the most common offence with 9,608 drivers caught with worn-out rubber. 

Regional breakdown of convictions showed that Durham had the biggest year-on-year rise, with 103 instances being a 255 per cent increase.

The Met Police caught the most drivers with defective components, racking up 3,053 last year, which is 6 per cent higher than the year previous. 

And the most convictions outside of London were issued in West Yorkshire, with 1,260 in total up 16 per cent on 2021 stats. 

Ministry of Justice data reveals that 12,349 motorists rang up offences for getting behind the wheel with illegal tyres, brakes and other components on their cars in England and Wales in 2022

Green Flag, which conducted the analysis, said the rise in cases of motorists driving with defective vehicle parts could be linked to higher component prices and the cost-of-living crisis resulting in more people skipping regular maintenance 

According to breakdown assistance provider Green Flag, which conducted the research, there are many potential reasons why occurrences of defective parts have risen. 

‘Some motorists may now be opting for cheaper defective car parts to offset the rising cost of repairs parts, while others may be delaying repairs as they can’t afford the cost of the maintenance’ due to the cost-of-living crunch, it said. 

According to the Association of British Insurers, the cost of vehicle repairs rose by 33 per cent year-on-year to £1.5 billion in the first quarter of 2023, the highest figure recorded for a decade, since 2013.

Motorists convicted of driving with defective car parts may receive three penalty points on their driving licences and a fine. 

The average fine for those convicted of these offences in 2022 was £270 – down slightly from £301 in 2021. 

However, the largest penalty for defective vehicle part offences in 2022 was up to £5,000 – three motorists received a penalty around this size last year, Green Flag said.

Katie Lomas, managing director, added: ‘Drivers may not realise they have inadequate parts in their vehicles, or that they could face conviction, but the data shows that it’s still a prevalent issue and one for drivers to be aware of. 

‘Ensuring a car’s brakes, tyres and steering are well maintained is not only an essential part of keeping a car roadworthy, but it also ensures the safety of the driver, passengers and other vehicles on the road. 

‘Motorists should regularly check these car parts and if they have any doubts, stop driving and have their car seen to by a professional mechanic.’

This post first appeared on Dailymail.co.uk