Top Gear producer banned from driving
A Top Gear producer has been banned from driving after exceeding a 20mph limit by 4mph.
Andy Wilman, the show's 'fourth member', was banned for six months after he was handed his fourth speeding conviction in three years.
The 62-year-old helped reboot the long-running TV show in 2002 and later launched The Grand Tour with stars Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May.
He was caught driving his grey Porsche Macan at 4mph above the speed limit on The Avenue running through Clapham Common in south London on Dec 23, 2024.
It is the fourth time Wilman has been convicted of breaking the speed limit and he was disqualified for six months after accumulating 12 points on his licence.
Wilman is now working on Clarkson's Farm series in the Cotswolds.
Addressing Lavender Hill magistrates court, Sarah Will, prosecuting, said: 'The very simple facts are that on Dec 23 at 9.08am a speed camera was triggered by a Porsche Macan on the A205 road, on The Avenue near Windmill Drive.
'This road was subject to a 20mph speed limit – the speed camera was triggered by the vehicle doing 24mph.'
His earlier offences – which each earned him three penalty points – happened on Jan 5, 2022, Sept 5, 2023 and Sept 29, 2024, the court heard.
Wilman, from Wandsworth, admitted exceeding a 20mph speed limit.
Magistrate John Tomkins said: 'We have heard facts from the prosecutor – because you've pleaded guilty to this offence a further three points has been added to your licence.
'As a starting point the magistrates will have to disqualify you from driving for a minimum of six months.'
Asked whether he wanted to provide evidence of 'exceptional hardship' as a means to contest his disqualification Wilman replied: 'No I couldn't claim that. I accept things as they are. 20mph is a tough one, but you must have heard that many times – but yes, it is as it is, I have nothing to query or challenge.'
After confirming his yearly income was £443,000 after tax, Wilman was ordered to pay £1,042 in total, including a £666 fine, £266 surcharge and costs of £110.
The former Grand Tour executive thanked magistrates before leaving court.
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