Thousands of people caught drink-driving twice in five years, prompting calls for DVLA license return review

'These are individuals who clearly have no regard for the lives of others'

The main target are drivers who have caused deaths when under the influence of alcohol or drugs (Getty)

More than 8,000 people have been caught driving above the legal alcohol limit twice in the last five years, with 500 of them stopped on at least three occasions.

The “astonishing” figures has prompted calls for a review of the practice of returning licences to drivers who have served drink-related bans.

Between 2011 and 2015, the authorities issued a DR10 endorsement for driving or attempting to drive while above the legal alcohol limit to 219,008 people.

However, 8,068 drivers received two DR10 endorsements, meaning they were caught drink-driving at least twice twice.

Additionally, 449 drivers were issued three DR10 endorsements, 46 drivers received four endorsements, five drivers received five endorsements and two drivers received six endorsements.

The numbers were revealed by a Press Association Freedom of Information request.

AA president Edmund King said: "The fact that more than 8,000 drivers have been caught twice in five years is all the more astonishing when they should have been off the road for a year or more.

"The repeat offender figures also suggest that a minority of drivers have a drink problem rather than a driving problem.

"Perhaps it is time to review some of the medical checks and rehabilitation courses before allowing these drivers back on the road."

A spokesman from road safety charity Brake said: "It is appalling that offenders are being allowed to continue driving after being caught drink-driving multiple times.

"These are individuals who clearly have no regard for the lives of others. They have been granted ample opportunity to change their behaviour and should face the full force of the law."

Motorists caught drink-driving face a ban of at least a year and an unlimited fine, but some may be offered places on rehabilitation courses to reduce the length of their disqualification.

The most serious offenders can face up to six months in jail.

A drink-driver not deemed to be a high-risk offender can apply to get their licence back once their ban is over by filling out a form, which includes questions about their medical condition.

The DVLA said it was duty bound to issue a licence when a driver had served their disqualification period, but it would investigate and take "appropriate action" if there was any indication of "an ongoing issue with alcohol".

High-risk offenders — such as those caught drink-driving twice within 10 years or found to be at least two and a half times the legal alcohol limit — must pass an additional medical assessment which includes having blood tests, before a licence is returned.

The DVLA data shows the number of drink-drive convictions has fallen in recent years, from 53,885 in 2011 to 42,587 in 2015.

But Brake claims this demonstrates "a worrying lack of progress in drink-drive enforcement" and urged the Government to put "serious investment" into road policing to protect law-abiding people from "hardcore drunk drivers".

PA contributed to this report