Anger over sentence on Huddersfield Town chief Nigel Clibbens

Dec 9 2009 By Neil Atkinson

A SAFETY charity has criticised a court decision not to ban Town soccer chief Nigel Clibbens for speeding.

Clibbens, chief executive of Huddersfield Town FC, has escaped a driving ban after arguing it would leave him out of a job.

The official told Wakefield magistrates he could not afford to pay for taxis to matches and club functions if he was disqualified from driving.

He had been caught driving at 43mph in a 30mph zone at New Road, Middlestown, close to the National Coal Mining Museum.

The road, part of the A642 linking Huddersfield and Wakefield, has been the scene of many fatal accidents in recent years.

The offence could merit a six-month driving ban, but Clibbens escaped with a fine and penalty points on his licence.

The sentence was criticised by Brake, the Huddersfield-based road safety charity.

Ellen Booth, Campaigns Officer for Brake said: “Speeding in 30mph zones is utterly irresponsible.

“Speeding increases the risk of hitting a pedestrian while simultaneously increasing the force of impact.

“If you hit a child at 20mph the child has a 90% survival chance. At 40mph they have an 85% chance of being killed.

“That’s why Brake is calling for 20mph limits in built-up areas.

“We understand that the court in this case seriously considered handing down a driving ban, but refrained from doing so because of the consequences this could have for the driver.

“Brake urges courts to give more priority to protecting the public than protecting the interests of offenders who take needless risks on the road, endangering lives.”