A driver with a medically revoked licence was caught with an astonishing 45 penalty points during a major police crackdown on dangerous motorists in Leicestershire.
Leicestershire Police revealed the motorist had no legal right to be driving but continued getting behind the wheel despite repeatedly breaking traffic laws.
Under DVLA rules, drivers whose licences are revoked for medical reasons can only reapply once a doctor confirms they meet the required medical standards for driving again.
The authority also warned motorists can be fined up to £1,000 if they fail to tell the DVLA about a medical condition that could affect their ability to drive safely. Drivers could also face prosecution if they are involved in an accident.
A medically revoked licence can apply to motorists suffering from conditions including epilepsy, strokes, sleep apnoea, heart conditions, or fainting episodes may make them unsafe behind the wheel.
The shocking case was uncovered during Operation Hopper, a year-long campaign launched to tackle uninsured drivers and persistent road offenders across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
During the past 12 months, officers involved in the operation seized 105 uninsured vehicles linked to more than 500 outstanding speeding and red-light offences.
Police said many of the drivers targeted had repeatedly ignored traffic laws and posed serious risks to other road users.
Drivers can be banned from UK roads and slapped with hefty fines for failing to meet medical standards | GETTY/PA
Under current UK driving laws, motorists who build up 12 penalty points within three years can face a driving ban. However, police said some persistent offenders continue driving illegally even after losing their licences.
Leicestershire Police warned the case highlighted the dangers posed by repeat offenders who continue driving despite having no legal entitlement to use the roads.
Matthew Chester, Road Safety Unit Manager at Leicestershire Police, said the operation was intended to send a clear warning to dangerous motorists.
“Operation Hopper intends to send out a clear warning to those drivers who think they can flout the law and pose the highest risk to innocent road users,” he shared.
Mr Chester added police would continue taking firm action against offenders. “Arrests have been made, cars have been seized, and we will continue to take decisive action to protect the public,” he said.
The police operation caught hundreds of uninsured vehicles linked to more than 500 offences
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ESSEX POLICEPolice explained Operation Hopper has relied on close cooperation between the Road Safety Unit and Roads Policing Unit to identify high-risk drivers more effectively.
The force explained how intelligence sharing between departments has strengthened officers’ ability to quickly trace uninsured vehicles and repeat offenders operating across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
Mr Chester described the campaign as more than just an enforcement exercise. “This anniversary marks not just a year of enforcement, but a year of partnership, prevention, and progress,” he said.
“Operation Hopper will continue to evolve as we work to make the roads across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland safer for everyone.”
Motorists must ensure they meet the DVLA medical requirements to continue travelling on UK roads | PA
Road safety experts have long warned uninsured and disqualified drivers pose major dangers on UK roads and are often linked to speeding, reckless driving and failing to stop for police.
Crashes involving uninsured motorists can also leave victims facing financial losses and lengthy insurance disputes.
Police said uninsured driving is frequently connected to wider criminality, making traffic operations an important part of broader crime prevention efforts.
The force said removing dangerous motorists remains one of its top priorities as officers continue efforts to improve road safety across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.