- Rising Convictions for Defective Vehicle Parts
- Top Reasons for Convictions: Defective Tires
- Economic Factors Contributing to Defective Parts Increase
The number of drivers convicted of driving with defective vehicle parts attained its highest level since 2014 during the past year.
Analysis of Ministry of Justice data reveals that 12,349 license holders committed offenses in England and Wales in 2022 for driving with illicit tires, brakes, and other vehicle components.
This is an increase of 18% from the 10,478 convictions in the previous year and raises grave concerns that Britons are neglecting their vehicles.
Check the table below to see how many drivers were convicted of driving with defective vehicle parts in your area over the past two years.
Infractions involving defective vehicle parts also include traveling with faulty steering and exceeding legal exhaust emission limits.
With 9,608 drivers captured with worn-out rubber, defective tires were the most prevalent reason for convictions.
Regional breakdown of convictions revealed that Durham had the greatest increase year-over-year, with 103 cases representing a 255% increase.
Last year, the Met Police captured 3,053 drivers with defective components, which is a 6 percent increase from the year before.
West Yorkshire issued the most convictions outside of London, 1,260 in total, a 16 percent increase from 2021 statistics.
According to the breakdown assistance provider Green Flag, which conducted the research, there are several possible causes for the increase in defective parts.
Due to the rising cost of living,’ some motorists may now select for cheaper defective car parts to offset the rising cost of repairs parts, while others may delay repairs because they cannot afford the cost of maintenance,’ the report stated.
According to the Association of British Insurers, the cost of vehicle repairs increased by 33 percent year-over-year to £1.5 billion in the first quarter of 2023, the highest figure recorded since 2003.
Drivers convicted of operating a motor vehicle with defective parts may incur three demerit points and a fine.
In 2022, the average fine for these offenses was £270, a decrease from the £301 average in 2021.
However, the maximum fine for defective vehicle part violations in 2022 was up to £5,000, according to Green Flag, which noted that three drivers received fines of this magnitude in 2018.
Katie Lomas, the managing director, added, ‘Drivers may not be aware that they have substandard parts in their vehicles or that they could face a conviction, but the data demonstrates that this is still a prevalent issue and one that drivers should be aware of.
‘Maintaining a vehicle’s brakes, tires, and steering is not only essential to maintaining a vehicle roadworthy, but also ensures the safety of the driver, passengers, and other vehicles on the road.
