Since 2000 more than 50,000 people have picked up two or more convictions – with one individual prosecuted 10 times, statistics show. 

Campaigners say the figures are evidence of a hardcore of irresponsible motorists who are prepared to reoffend despite having been caught before.

Many of those caught will have been serving a ban for their first conviction when they got back behind the wheel after a drink. Others will have got their licence back but lose it again when they are caught a second or third time. Motorists caught drink-driving face a ban of at least a year, an unlimited fine and up to six months’ jail, although some are offered places on rehabilitation courses to reduce the length of disqualification. 

Drink-drivers not deemed to be high-risk offenders can apply to get their licence back by filling out a form, which includes questions about medical conditions. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority said it was duty bound to issue a licence when a driver had served their ban but it would take action if there was any indication of “an ongoing issue with alcohol”.

High-risk offenders – those caught twice in 10 years or found to be at least two-and-a-half times the legal limit – must pass a medical assessment before a licence is returned. Figures released by the DVLA in response to a Freedom of Information request showed that, since 2000, 498,841 people in England and Wales have had a conviction for drink-driving. There were 45,989 motorists with two convictions and 5,360 with three. More than a thousand [1,104] had four or more. 

A spokesman for road safety charity Brake, said: “Not a drop of alcohol before getting behind the wheel is safe. 

“The next government must act to tackle drink-driving by implementing a zero-tolerance limit, investing in roads policing to provide a true deterrent
and encouraging the courts to use the law to its fullest extent.”

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