Speeding Lib Dem banned for just two weeks so he can travel to Parliament

Telegraph

22-07-2025

A Liberal Democrat peer has been banned from the road for just two weeks after his fourth speeding conviction in three and a half years.
Baron Razzall was given a 'discretionary' disqualification of 14 days after he told the court that he needed to drive to attend Parliament.
The 82-year-old was caught driving his Volkswagen at 35mph in a 30mph zone in the village of Sledmere, East Yorkshire on Oct 6 last year. He was described as having an 'unfortunate record for disobeying speed limits' following his fourth conviction in three and a half years.
Wearing a navy suit, the peer appeared at Westminster magistrates' court to be sentenced for speeding after pleading guilty by post.
'Regular attender at the Lords'
Jennifer Harding, the prosecutor for the Humberside Police, said: 'At 11.17am on the B1253 in Sledmere in East Riding of Yorkshire, he was captured by laser cameras at the speed of 35mph in a 30mph zone.'
Lord Razzall cited his need to attend Parliament as a reason why he should not be hit with the standard six-month disqualification.
District Judge Paul Goldspring said: 'Parliament goes into recess relatively soon, next week, so the problem you've foreseen with being disqualified for six months would largely not exist if you were banned from driving for 14 days.'
Lord Razzall responded: 'I think that's probably the case, although my concern always – although 14 days would be fine – is the risk with a regular attender at the House of Lords is that quite often in summer they recall Parliament.'
'An unfortunate record'
Sentencing the peer, the judge said: 'Mr Razzall, you have pleaded guilty to an offence of speeding. You have, shall I call it, an unfortunate record for disobeying speed limits – this is your fourth conviction within three and a half years.
'You have, however, pleaded guilty and have already in writing set out the impact that a lengthy disqualification period might have on you.'
The judge said that 'having considered the circumstances of the case' a 'commensurate sentence' would be a 'discretionary disqualification' of 14 days, adding: 'This starts today – you mustn't drive any mechanically propelled vehicle on any road or public place in the UK.'
Lord Razzall, of Notting Hill, west London, admitted exceeding 30mph on a restricted road. He was also asked to pay a total of £410 comprising of a £200 fine, £130 costs to the Humberside Police, and an £80 surcharge.