Steve Coogan has successfully avoided a driving ban after appealing to the judge, citing the potential impact on his upcoming television show. The 59-year-old actor, known for his role as Alan Partridge, was caught driving at 97mph on the M6 near Telford on July 29 of last year. With six points already on his driving record, accumulating another six would have led to disqualification.
In a letter submitted to Birmingham Magistrates Court, Coogan emphasized that a driving ban would significantly affect the next series of his sitcom, The Trip, which he stars in alongside Rob Brydon. He stated, “I am due to appear in a well-established TV series called The Trip, which, as the title suggests, requires me to drive.” He also mentioned other “important film commitments” that necessitate driving.
Coogan expressed concern that these projects would not only jeopardize his own livelihood but also impact many individuals reliant on these productions for their income, including camera, sound, and lighting technicians, riggers, and others earning modest wages. He noted that cancellations could lead to financial difficulties, as rescheduling such projects is often complex.
After pleading guilty, Coogan requested that the judge impose five points instead of six, a request that was ultimately granted on January 30. He was fined £2,500, ordered to pay a £1,000 surcharge, and incurred £90 in costs.
While The Trip’s director, Michael Winterbottom, previously indicated that there would not be a fifth series, Coogan’s court correspondence suggests otherwise. The series features Coogan and Brydon portraying exaggerated versions of themselves as they travel through locations such as Italy, Spain, and the UK.
In 2019, Coogan wrote a similar letter after being caught speeding, arguing that a disqualification would disrupt the new series of Alan Partridge. Although he was banned then, it was for only two months instead of the standard six, allowing the show to proceed. He had also faced a 28-day ban in 2016 for driving nearly double the 30mph speed limit in Brighton.
