Renowned Crime Author Takes on London’s ‘Confusing’ 20mph Speed Limit Signs Following Speeding Allegations

A renowned crime novelist has found herself embroiled in a genuine legal dispute after being accused of exceeding the speed limit on three occasions within a 20mph zone close to her residence in West London. Lynda La Plante contends that the signage indicating the 20mph limit in Kingston-upon-Thames is “very confusing”, following the issuance of three speeding fines over a period of five months.

The 83-year-old author and screenwriter is celebrated for her creation of DCI Jane Tennison, a formidable fictional detective who confronted institutional sexism within the Metropolitan Police in the acclaimed series, Prime Suspect. La Plante is now preparing for a court appearance next month, where she may face a driving ban after allegedly being recorded travelling at 24mph, 26mph, and 27mph in the designated 20mph zone.

Controversial Speed Limit Signage

In a series of statements directed at court officials and law enforcement, La Plante has condemned the “very confusing” road signs that alert motorists to the speed limit. She claims that the placement of speed cameras is situated too close to the signage, leaving drivers with insufficient time to decelerate. The award-winning author has also criticised the judicial system for creating obstacles that hinder accused drivers from obtaining legal counsel.

La Plante, known for her successful robbery series Widows in the 1980s and for bringing Prime Suspect to the small screen in 1991, was honoured with a CBE in 2008 for her contributions to literature, drama, and charitable efforts. Court documents reveal that she was first recorded speeding at 9.24am on November 2 of the previous year, when her Toyota was allegedly detected travelling at 24mph on the A308 Kingston Hill.

Multiple Offences and Legal Complications

In response to the charge, La Plante selected both the guilty and not guilty options and requested a court hearing. “I wish the court to examine the very confusing signs indicating the transition from 30mph to 20mph,” she noted in her correspondence. “The speed camera is positioned only a short distance away—no more than 10 seconds’ travel—while navigating through traffic and cyclists who come perilously close to my vehicle’s bumper.” She further remarked that it takes “10 seconds to reach the speed camera,” and pointed out the absence of “20mph painted on the road.”

The second incident occurred at 9.35am on March 5, just a short distance down the same road, when La Plante’s vehicle was recorded at 26mph. In her written defence, she indicated that she had previously attempted to settle a fine via cheque to evade prosecution but subsequently expressed dissatisfaction with the communication channels available. She reported spending 25 minutes on hold to speak with an adviser, only to discover the adviser “did not speak English.”

Further Legal Challenges and Implications

La Plante also highlighted a particular line on the Single Justice Procedure form, which states: “If you need legal advice, go to: gov.uk/find-a-legal-adviser.” However, she noted that the provided web link was non-functional, writing on the form: “No longer available.” She then faced a third prosecution for speeding at 10.03am on April 11 after being clocked at 27mph past the same speed camera involved in the second incident. In her response, La Plante admitted guilt but asserted, “I wish to contest this offence on the grounds that the signage warning motorists of the 20mph speed limit is merely 10-15 steps from a 30mph zone, situated on a downhill slope. It is unfeasible to reduce speed adequately within that distance.”

Documentation related to the third case indicates that if convicted, La Plante would accrue a minimum of 12 penalty points on her driving licence, potentially resulting in an automatic six-month disqualification. The Metropolitan Police has pursued all three prosecutions via the expedited Single Justice Procedure, while local councils bear responsibility for the speed limit signage and road markings. La Plante is scheduled to appear at Lavender Hill Magistrates’ Court on August 3.