Data from the DVLA suggests drivers in Oldham may not be the worst in Greater Manchester as they have fewer penalty points on their licence per population.

Motoring experts Swansway Motor Group have analysed DVLA data to find out exactly where people have racked up the most points for reckless driving.

Interestingly, Oldham sits far down on the list, behind Leigh, Littleborough, Rochdale, Heywood, Bolton, the city of Manchester, Stalybridge, Ashton-under-Lyne and Bury.

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The figures show motorists in Oldham have accumulated 7,911 points in total out of 160,123 licenced drivers.

While the town is among the top three when it comes to the total number of points given, with Manchester accumulating 43,341, followed by Bolton with 11,957 points, Leigh takes the top spot as having the most points per licences in the region.

The Wigan town has 2,234 points to 38,138 licences.

Reacting to the stats, the team at Volkswagen Van Centre Oldham said: "While it may surprise many that Oldham ranks 12th for points per population in Greater Manchester, there may be an explanation.

"There are more speed cameras and 30mph zones in Oldham than many other Greater Manchester towns.

"While new cameras are being installed in towns such as Bolton and Rochdale, the existing cameras in Oldham have been around a good while and as such may be acting as a deterrent for local drivers who are aware of their location.

"When in such areas it is likely drivers are more mindful of their speed."

The data also comes as the borough was crowned the most dangerous town in the UK to be a pedestrian. 

Howden Insurance analysed the latest data from the Department for Transport Statistics on road collisions, to see where had the highest percentage involving pedestrians on average each year between 2013 and 2022 - and Oldham came out on top for towns.

Experts from Swansway Motor Group highlighted some of the most common reasons people get points on their licence, including speeding; using a mobile device whilst driving, careless driving, usually meaning to cause no harm but can have serious consequences; dangerous driving – actively reckless driving or aggressive behaviour and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

A spokesperson for Swansway Motor Group said: "Points on a licence can deter people from taking unsafe actions, whether this is risky driving such as speeding or driving whilst using a mobile phone, to ensuring your vehicle is well maintained and roadworthy, to getting behind the wheel after drinking or using drugs, all which could have serious consequences.

"The system is there to keep us safe and remind us to always remain sensible when behind the wheel of a vehicle." 

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