Award-winning British crime writer Lynda La Plante faces driving ban after three speeding offenses in 5 months | World News
Renowned novelist and TV writer Lynda La Plante faces a potential driving ban after being accused of speeding three times in five months in south-west London, the Daily Mail reports.The 83-year-old is widely recognized for his creations prime suspectHe is due to appear at Lavender Hill Magistrates Court on August 3 charged with the offence.Court records show that between November 2025 and April 2026, La Plante’s vehicle was spotted traveling at speeds of 24mph, 26mph and 27mph in a 20mph zone along the A308 Kingston Hill, close to her home in Kingston upon Thames.The first alleged offense occurred at 9.24am on November 2 when her car was clocked going 24mph. The second incident occurred at 9:35 a.m. on March 5 when she was allegedly traveling at 26 mph, and the third incident occurred at 10:03 a.m. on April 11 when she was traveling at 27 mph.In a written reply to the court, LaPlante said signs on Kingston Hill were “extremely confusing” when they changed the speed indication from 30 mph to 20 mph. She believes that after the new speed limit came into effect, speed cameras were only installed a short distance away, leaving drivers with little time to adjust their speed.She also pointed out that there were no clear 20mph markings on the road, making it more difficult for motorists to comply with the reduced speed limit. She entered pleas of guilty and not guilty to one of the charges when requesting a court hearing.LaPlante also expressed concern about the process of obtaining legal advice, noting the difficulty of contacting advisers and stressing that government web links to provide assistance are no longer active.On the third charge, she admitted speeding but disputed the circumstances, arguing the sign was located on a downhill stretch of road, making it difficult to slow down in time.If found guilty of all charges, La Plante could have at least 12 penalty points on her license, which would normally result in her being disqualified from driving for six months.The cases were brought by the Metropolitan Police using a single judicial process. Local councils are responsible for placing and maintaining speed limit signs.The situation comes as debate continues across London over the extension of the 20mph speed limit. Mayor Sadiq Khan supports the policy, pointing to data showing it reduces deaths and serious injuries on the city’s roads.
