Two speeding offences land Paul Scholes with six‑month ban

Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes faced two separate speeding convictions within two days, culminating in a six‑month driving ban and fines totalling £1,472, after a March incident in a Range Rover and a November breach in a Mercedes were both prosecuted.

Tristan Kirk of the Press Association and Ben Husband, Sports News Editor14:24, reported that the 51‑year‑old former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes was taken to court twice in two days, resulting in a six‑month driving ban. ImagesPaul from Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA, Getty Images show the former footballer, a former England star, standing near a Range Rover. The incidents, both involving speeding on residential roads, highlight how the Police and the Court enforce road safety, even for high‑profile Football figures. The case was reported in Aug, with the first hearing on 12 Aug and the second on 13 Aug. ALL

March Range Rover offence

In March, West Yorkshire Police recorded Scholes’s Range Rover travelling at 37 mph on a 30 mph stretch of the A649 Halifax Road near Cleckheaton, just after 11.30 pm on 3 March. The vehicle was clocked on a residential Road and the prosecution was brought after the driver confirmed he was Paul Scholes.

Because Scholes already had penalty points, the court labelled him a “totter”, meaning he could not be offered a speed‑awareness course and faced an automatic ban.

November Mercedes breach

In November of the previous year, a Mercedes registered to Scholes was caught at 49 mph on the A670 Mossley Road near Ashton‑under‑Lyne, a 30 mph zone, at 11.10 am on 14 Nov. Greater Manchester Police also prosecuted him for failing to respond to two letters asking for confirmation that he was the driver.

The police noted that no reply had been received, and the speeding allegation was dropped, but the failure‑to‑respond charge proceeded.

The two criminal cases culminated in hearings on two consecutive days. On 12 Aug at Bradford Magistrates’ Court, Scholes received a £220 fine, £120 costs and an £88 victim surcharge. The following day at Manchester Magistrates’ Court, he was fined £660, received six penalty points, £120 costs and a £264 victim surcharge.

In total, the fines, costs and surcharges amounted to £1,472, and the court imposed a six‑month driving ban under the Single Justice Procedure, with Scholes convicted in his absence.

Scholes enjoyed a legendary playing career with United, winning multiple Premier League titles, FA Cups and the Champions League, and earned 66 England caps with 14 goals. Since retiring he has worked as a pundit, recently stepping away to care for his son Aiden, 21, who has autism.