A man in his 30s from Newton-le-Willows has been handed a 6-month driving ban triggered by totting up rules.
The man admitted to breaking a 50mph speed limit on February 16, 2025, when speed cameras caught him doing 58mph on the A494 between Garden City and Deeside. With 10 penalty points already on his licence, any further points would likely take his total above 12, triggering a mandatory driving prohibition.
The defendant, representing himself, made an exceptional hardship argument, informing the court that losing his licence would affect contact with his children, who live in Colwyn Bay. Additionally, he claimed to need his car to attend numerous medical appointments. He admitted to not investigating alternative means of getting to these appointments, and argued that using public transport was difficult for him because he suffered from anxiety and panic attacks.
He attempted to support his application with medical documents containing advice to help him deal with chronic pain. The court determined that he was not following all of this advice, which undermined the credibility of his argument.
Refusing the application, the magistrates gave the defendant 3 more licence points, and banned him from driving for 6 months. He was ordered to pay a £40 fine, a £16 victim surcharge, and £130 costs.
This case highlights the importance of getting expert advice when making an exceptional hardship argument. If you are facing a driving ban triggered by totting up, solicitors at Auriga Advocates have the expertise and experience you need to help you prepare your case. Contact us now and let’s talk through your case, and come up with a plan going forward.