Dealer boss in Kia escapes driving ban after pleading exceptional hardship would result

A senior executive at a car dealer group has avoided being banned from driving because of the impact it would have on his ability to get across the north of England to his various dealerships.

Sohail Khan faced the potential six month ban under the totting up procedure because of the points he already had on his licence before his latest court appearance before Harrogate magistrates, which related to him being caught speeding in a Kia Niro on the A168 in North Yorkshire last October.

Khan, aged 41, of Thorpe Thewles, spends almost £500 per month on fuel getting to his car and motorcycle dealerships in Gateshead, Leeds and Stockton, the court was told.

The York Press reports that the magistrates decided not to ban him from driving, after hearing that he couldn't get others to drive for him and it would have an impact on his business, on the grounds it would lead to “exceptional hardship”.

Khan, who had admitted the speeding offence, was fined £492, ordered to pay a £197 statutory surcharge and £90 prosecution costs, and his licence was endorsed with three points.