A Bradford MP is demanding to know why certain motorists in the district are still allowed to drive despite having 12 or more penalty points.

David Ward said he will be writing to the relevant bodies to find out what circumstances are behind the drivers not being banned.

The Telegraph & Argus revealed on Monday that 104 motorists in the Bradford district are still on the road despite having 12 or more penalty points.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency figures also revealed that one of those motorists has 22 points - and that they live in the BD7 area, which includes Listerhills, Lidget Green and Little Horton.

Now, Bradford East MP Mr Ward has demanded a clampdown. He said: "I want to know why, what are the circumstances. I am going to write to the Ministry of Justice, if that is the right body, and ask them what the guidelines are on this and on what exceptional circumstances apply.

"The figure of 104 is too large to just be brushed aside. There may be circumstances, but it seems too high a number.

"Something is clearly wrong in terms of guidelines - maybe too much discretion available."

He added: "Some of the figures in the paper shocked me. I am going to try and find out what the guidelines are."

Gerry Sutcliffe, MP for Bradford South, called for tightening of regulations. He said: "I think it is crazy that so many people can get away without the ban.

"There is always the need to look at exceptional circumstances, like if it affects someone's employment or something like that.

"But it is not so much that the law needs to be changed, more that it needs to be tightened up."

A spokesman for the Department for Transport, said: “Road safety is a top priority for the Government and we are determined to do all we can to ensure that those who pose a danger to others are disqualified.

“There are certain circumstances where a court may decide that an individual should not be banned if to do so would cause exceptional hardship for the driver.

“However, this should only be in exceptional cases and we will continue to work with the courts to ensure that they have all the necessary information to deal with offenders swiftly and appropriately.”

A spokesman for the Magistrates' Association said: "The sentencing guidelines are administered by the Sentencing Council. Magistrates have reference to these guidelines - it is a very structured, detailed document."