A former Top Gear and Grand Tour star has been given speeding points days after getting his licence back from a six-month ban.

Andy Wilman, a longtime collaborator and key figure behind some of the most iconic motoring television shows, has found himself in hot water once again with the authorities over a speeding violation. Just days after regaining his driving privileges following a six-month disqualification, the veteran producer was handed additional penalty points for exceeding the speed limit, marking yet another chapter in his ongoing issues with road safety regulations.

For over two decades, Wilman has been an integral part of the success story surrounding Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May. He served as the executive producer on the BBC’s wildly popular “Top Gear” program, where his behind-the-scenes expertise helped transform it into a global phenomenon blending high-octane car reviews, daring stunts, and irreverent humor. When the trio departed the BBC amid controversy in 2015, Wilman followed suit, co-creating and producing “The Grand Tour” for Amazon Prime Video. This new venture continued their signature style of adventurous road trips, celebrity guests, and over-the-top challenges, captivating audiences worldwide for several seasons. More recently, Wilman has lent his production talents to “Clarkson’s Farm,” a documentary-style series that chronicles Jeremy Clarkson’s often chaotic attempts at managing his expansive 1,000-acre Diddly Squat Farm in the picturesque town of Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire. The show, which has gained a massive following for its blend of comedy, rural life insights, and agricultural mishaps, highlights Wilman’s knack for turning everyday scenarios into compelling entertainment.

According to reports from The Daily Mail, the latest incident occurred when Wilman was caught driving at 30mph in a strictly enforced 20mph zone. The offense took place on the bustling A41 Finchley Road in the upscale Hampstead area of London, where speed cameras are commonplace to protect pedestrians and maintain traffic flow in this densely populated urban neighborhood. Wilman, who was behind the wheel of his luxurious Porsche Macan—a high-performance SUV known for its agility and power—pleaded guilty to the charge during a hearing at Lavender Hill Magistrates’ Court earlier this week. The court, which handles a variety of minor offenses in the southwest London region, imposed a penalty that included three additional points on his driving license, bringing him closer to potential further restrictions. In addition to the points, he was ordered to pay a fine of £666, which encompassed £130 in court costs and a mandatory £266 victim surcharge intended to support services for those affected by crime.

This recent brush with the law comes on the heels of a more severe punishment earlier in the year. In May, Wilman had been disqualified from driving for six months after being detected traveling at 24mph in another 20mph zone. That incident, combined with previously accumulated penalty points from prior violations, pushed him over the threshold that triggers an automatic ban under UK driving laws. Such totting-up procedures are designed to deter repeat offenders by escalating consequences, and Wilman’s case underscores how even minor excesses can lead to significant repercussions for those with a history of infractions. Having just completed his suspension and reclaimed his license, this new violation serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance on the roads, especially in areas with reduced speed limits aimed at enhancing safety in residential or high-traffic zones.

Beyond his professional achievements, Wilman’s personal life is deeply intertwined with that of his longtime friend and colleague, Jeremy Clarkson. The two attended the prestigious Repton School in Derbyshire during their formative years, where they forged a bond that has endured for decades. Notably, their schoolmates included Adrian Newey, the renowned Formula 1 designer whose innovative engineering has shaped championship-winning cars for teams like Red Bull Racing. Wilman’s connection to Clarkson extends far beyond work; he has served as best man at two of Clarkson’s weddings, a testament to their close friendship. In turn, Clarkson is the godfather to Wilman’s daughter, Martha, while Wilman holds the same role for Clarkson’s son, Finlo, illustrating the familial ties that have strengthened their partnership over the years.

Amid these legal troubles, Wilman has also been celebrating a creative milestone with the release of his new book, titled “Mr Wilman’s Motoring Adventure.” This publication offers readers an insider’s perspective on the world of automotive television production, recounting anecdotes from his extensive career, the highs and lows of working on groundbreaking shows, and perhaps even reflections on the thrill—and risks—of life behind the wheel. As Wilman navigates this latest setback, his story continues to captivate fans of motoring media, blending elements of triumph, camaraderie, and the occasional cautionary tale about the perils of speed.