Local woman from Gerrards Cross faces driving ban after crashes and speeding offences

Image: Adobe Stock

By Olivia Dias-Hall

A young woman from Gerrards Cross is facing a driving ban of up to two years after writing off two cars and accumulating 12 penalty points for speeding within just three years of passing her test.

Stephanie Swainston, 21, is due to appear at High Wycombe Magistrates' Court next month and could receive up to £10,000 in fines. The penalties follow four separate speeding incidents recorded across Buckinghamshire.

Swainston passed her test in 2021 but since has been involved in two major crashes. The first happened in early 2022, when she lost control of her Vauxhall Corsa on a dual carriageway. No one was injured, but the vehicle was declared a total loss.

The second collision took place in September last year, when she pulled out of a round-a-bout too quickly and her Toyota MR2 collided with another car. Swainston sustained minor injuries and both vehicles were written off.

Swainston said she accepts that her driving record looks awful on paper, but insisted she is not a reckless person.

"I know how bad it sounds but none of it was intentional" she said.

"I've made mistakes, and I'm genuinely ashamed of them".

Her speeding offences, which together amount to 12 penalty points, involved driving above the limit on several main roads, including a 70mph reading in a 30mph zone near Chalfont St Peter. This has triggered a court review and a likely disqualification.

Swainston says she is preparing herself for a ban.

"I’m not trying to make excuses" she said.

"But a lot was going on in my life, and I wasn’t thinking clearly. I should have slowed down".

She also described the financial strain the incidents have caused her.

"The fines will completely wipe out my savings" she said.

"Insurance has gone through the roof. I've already paid thousands, and I know I'm going to lose my licence too".

Despite the impact on her work and independence, Swainston said she now recognises the necessity of consequences.

"I’d rather accept the punishment now than end up in a situation where someone gets hurt".

Although she is anxious about her upcoming court date, Swainston insists she has learned from the experience.

"I know people will judge me, and honestly, I would probably judge me too" she admitted.

Swainston will appear in court later in December, when magistrates will decide the length of her disqualification. A ban of between six months to two years is considered likely.