Mark Lamarr Charged with Speeding in South West London
Reaction from the field
Mark Lamarr, the 59-year-old former television presenter, has been fined £76 and banned from driving for six months after being charged with speeding at 46mph in a 40mph zone. This ruling comes as a significant blow to Lamarr, who has publicly stated that a driving ban would cause him “exceptional hardship” due to his health condition.
Lamarr, who suffers from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, claimed in court that he relies on his vehicle, a 2019 Volvo XC60, to manage his daily responsibilities. He uses the car not only for his work in dealing records but also to transport his young daughter and visit his mother, who suffers from arthritis. The court heard that on particularly bad days, Lamarr struggles to function and may need to lay down for a “day or two”.
During the hearing at Willesden Magistrates’ Court, Lamarr explained that he was driving early in the morning when he was caught speeding. “It was very early in the morning, there wasn’t anybody around,” he stated, suggesting that the lack of traffic may have contributed to his lapse in concentration regarding the speed limit. He added, “Sometimes when there’s no other traffic around at all your mind isn’t quite as concentrated on the few miles an hour of the speed limit you are exceeding.”
Despite his arguments, Lamarr’s driving record was not in his favor; he already had nine points on his driving licence due to three prior speeding offences. This history likely influenced the court’s decision to impose a driving ban, which Lamarr described as a distressing outcome. The Crown Prosecution Service expressed regret for the distress caused by the ruling, stating, “I am sorry for the obvious distress it has caused you.”
Mark Lamarr rose to fame in the 1990s with popular TV shows such as “Never Mind the Buzzcocks” and “Shooting Stars”, hosting BBC2’s Buzzcocks for nine years before quitting in 2006. Since then, he has remained a notable figure in the entertainment industry, though he has largely stepped back from the limelight, describing himself as “effectively retired” and focusing on his record dealing business.
The court’s decision to ban Lamarr from driving for six months raises concerns about his ability to manage his personal and professional life, especially given his health challenges. He has emphasized the importance of having access to a vehicle, stating that using public transport would be “out of the question” on a bad day.
As Lamarr navigates the consequences of this ruling, it remains uncertain how he will adjust to the loss of his driving privileges. The impact on his daily life and responsibilities, particularly regarding his family and work, will be closely watched in the coming months. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any potential appeals or further legal actions he may pursue.