Crime Writer La Plante Trades Murder Mysteries For Speeding Fines

Bestselling crime novelist Lynda La Plante is facing a real-life courtroom battle after receiving three speeding tickets in 20mph zones, which she claims were caused by confusing road signage.

The 83-year-old author and screenwriter, best known for creating Prime Suspect detective DCI Jane Tennison, is due to appear before magistrates next month after allegedly exceeding the speed limit on three occasions within five months.

La Plante is accused of driving at 24mph, 26mph and 27mph in a 20mph zone on the A308 Kingston Hill, near her home in Kingston upon Thames, south-west London.

In written responses to the speeding allegations, she argued that the change from a 30mph to a 20mph limit was not clearly marked and claimed speed cameras were positioned too close to the new limit, leaving motorists with insufficient time to slow down safely.

The first alleged offence took place on the morning of November 2, 2025, when her Toyota was recorded travelling at 24mph. In her response, La Plante requested a court hearing and challenged the clarity of the road layout.

She wrote that the signs indicating the lower speed limit were "very confusing" and claimed there was only around 10 seconds between the change in limit and the speed camera. She also said there was no 20mph marking painted on the road and described traffic conditions, including cyclists overtaking close to her vehicle.

A second alleged speeding offence occurred on March 5, when her car was recorded at 26mph on the same stretch of road.

La Plante said she had attempted to settle the matter by sending a cheque but criticised the process, claiming she spent around 25 minutes waiting to speak to an adviser before being unable to communicate effectively.

The third allegation followed on April 11, when she was again detected by the same camera travelling at 27mph.

While accepting she had exceeded the limit, La Plante maintained that the signage was inadequate, arguing that the warning of the 20mph restriction appeared only a short distance after the 30mph zone on a downhill section of road.

Court documents state that, if convicted of all three offences, La Plante would accumulate at least 12 penalty points on her driving licence, making her liable for an automatic six-month driving ban under the totting-up rules.

The Metropolitan Police has brought all three cases under the Single Justice Procedure, while responsibility for road signs and markings rests with the local authority.

La Plante is scheduled to appear at Lavender Hill Magistrates' Court on August 3.

The Johnson Partnership, Derby