TV Star's Driving Ban Despite Hardship Claim

Former television personality Mark Lamarr has received a six-month driving ban after admitting to a speeding offense. The 59-year-old comedian, known for shows like 'Never Mind the Buzzcocks,' was caught driving at 46mph in a 40mph zone in Twickenham, south west London, in June of the previous year.

Willesden Magistrates' Court imposed three penalty points on Lamarr's license and fined him £236. He argued that the ban would cause him exceptional hardship, citing his chronic fatigue syndrome which makes public transport difficult and walking to stations impossible. Lamarr also explained that his condition sometimes requires him to rest for days and leaves him unable to walk for weeks. He emphasized the need for his car to transport his young daughter and visit his mother.

The court heard that Lamarr, who is now effectively retired and deals in records, already had nine points on his license from three prior speeding offenses between August 2023 and May 2025. He defended the recent offense by stating it was early morning with no other traffic, which affected his concentration on the speed limit. However, the magistrates determined that while Lamarr would experience some hardship, it did not meet the threshold for exceptional hardship.