Company car and van drivers have been warned that telling a ‘white lie’ to avoid points on their licence is one of the “most serious offences”.

However, despite the risks involved, a national law firm says more people are choosing to ask a family member or friend to take the points on their behalf.

Paul Loughlin, a solicitor at Stephensons, told Fleet News: “Sadly, deliberate deception of speeding offences is becoming increasingly common.

“From my own experience, I often receive calls from drivers who initially suggest telling a ‘white lie’, where they can get their spouse or a family member to take the points in an effort to avoid accumulating more on their licence or receiving a driving ban.”

The warning comes after Peterborough MP, Fiona Onasanya, was jailed after she lied to police over a speeding ticket.

A solicitor, Onasanya had denied being behind the wheel of her Nissan Micra when it was clocked being driven at 41mph in a 30mph zone, in July 2017.

The Old Bailey heard that Onasanya was texting as well as speeding, during the summer recess.

She was jailed for three months yesterday (Tuesday, January 29) after a re-trial. She has stated she intends to appeal against her conviction.

Her brother Festus was jailed for 10 months for his involvement, after pleading guilty to the same charge.

Loughlin said: “In this case, had Miss Onasanya entered a guilty plea and took full responsibility for the driving offence, it’s likely the court would have imposed a more lenient penalty, with greater reference and consideration given to the impact a custodial sentence could have on the management of her multiple sclerosis.

“This sentence, like that of Chris Huhne and Vicky Pryce in 2013, can be seen as a clear message to the public that obstructing public justice or perverting the course of justice, no matter what your standing in society, is always among the most serious of offences.”

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