Lord Razzall's Driving Ban: 'Best Result'?

Lord Tim Razzall, an 82-year-old Liberal Democrat peer, has been handed a two-week driving disqualification for running a red light in west London. Admitting guilt at Westminster Magistrates' Court, Razzall described the outcome as the "best result" he could have achieved. This marks his second driving ban this year, the previous one being for speeding.

The incident occurred on March 13th when Razzall drove a Volkswagen Polo through a red light at a junction near Chelsea Bridge Road. He cited heavy traffic conditions on the Embankment as a reason for his delayed reaction to the traffic signal. Despite his apologies and explanations, the Chief Magistrate noted that Razzall would have received a total of 14 days' disqualification for both offences had they been considered concurrently.

Lord Razzall was ordered to pay a £200 fine and £410 in total costs. He expressed some regret that the current offense wasn't combined with his previous one, which would have avoided a subsequent disqualification. Despite the outcome, he maintained it was the most favorable result possible under the circumstances.