TV presenter Richard Hammond was ordered to pay a total financial penalty of £1,771—approximately $2,302—and received seven driving licence points after admitting to two speeding offenses committed within a 20-day span, according to court records from Telford Magistrates’ Court.
Richard Hammond Speeding Offenses in Herefordshire
West Mercia Police prosecuted the TV presenter after catching him driving above the legal limit on two separate A-roads in Herefordshire during late December. According to court papers, the first incident occurred on December 2nd on the A40 at Pencraig. Police recorded Hammond driving a Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo at 68 miles per hour in an area where the posted speed limit was 50 mph.
Twenty days later, on December 22nd, officers logged a second offense on the A50 Rudhall Overbridge. Court documents show Hammond was driving a Bentley Continental GT at 82 mph in a 70 mph zone. Magistrate Ann Minton oversaw the case following initial delays caused by administrative paperwork that had been sent to different addresses.
Porsche and Bentley Speeds and Court Penalties
The two vehicles involved brought different performance capabilities and speed excesses before the court. In the first instance, driving the all-electric Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo at 18 mph over the 50 mph limit placed Hammond well above the threshold where UK courts typically impose financial penalties and licence endorsements rather than informal warnings. The second stop involved the Bentley Continental GT traveling 12 mph over the 70 mph limit on the A50.
While some initial reports cited a £999 figure, court records released by Telford Magistrates’ Court confirm the total financial penalty reached £1,771. That total breaks down into two separate fines of £333 and £666 for the respective speeding infractions, alongside £240 in court costs and £532 in victim surcharges. Magistrate Ann Minton also added seven penalty points to Hammond’s driving licence. Under UK regulations, accumulating 12 points within a three-year period can result in a driving disqualification.
Dropped Allegations and Case Resolution
Legal representation for Hammond entered guilty pleas for both speeding charges at Telford Magistrates’ Court. Two additional allegations stating that the television host failed to respond to police letters and name the driver were formally withdrawn. With those charges dropped, the court resolved the matter strictly on the two admitted speeding violations.
Did You Know?
Accumulating seven penalty points on a UK driving licence from just two incidents places a driver more than halfway toward the 12-point threshold that triggers a driving ban.
Frequently Asked Questions
What vehicles was Richard Hammond driving during the speeding offenses?
According to West Mercia Police and Telford Magistrates’ Court records, Hammond was driving a Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo during the first incident and a Bentley Continental GT during the second.
What was the total financial penalty ordered by the court?
Magistrate Ann Minton ordered a total penalty of £1,771, which includes two fines, court costs, and victim surcharges.
How many licence points did Richard Hammond receive?
The court added seven penalty points to his driving licence following his guilty pleas to both speeding charges.
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