Armytage successfully appeals driving licence suspension
The sweetheart of Aussie breakfast TV has told of her frustration at having to spend her festive vacation fighting a driving ban.
Wentworth Courier
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SUNRISE Sweetheart Samantha Armytage has received an early Christmas present after overturning a three month licence suspension.
The popular television presenter lost five points and had her licence suspended after being caught driving 75km/h in a 40km/h works zone that is normally 80km/h in the Eastern Distributor.
Armytage, who was on her way to work at 3.45am, argued in the Downing Centre Court that the roadworks were not signposted.
Court papers reveal the 43-year-old, who lives in Bondi, was detected by a speed camera in August. Her licence was suspended for three months in October and she received five demerit points, although was allowed to drive as the appeal was in play.
Although on holidays, Armytage looked her glamorous TV self as she appeared in court on Tuesday dressed in a bright pink and black skirt.
“It was very disappointing and cost me a lot of time, money and stress to appeal this RMS (Roads and Maritime Services) decision,” Armytage told The Daily Telegraph. “I‘m still not sure why that section of tunnel was 40km/h that day as there was no indication of any roadworks.”
She continued: “I would never speed through roadworks or workers and I was doing 75 in what I thought was an 80 zone. I know I’m one of tens of thousands caught doing the same thing in the same spot and I decided to fight it on the basis that their signage is totally inadequate.”
Until Tuesday, Armytage had managed to keep the licence suspension a secret. Her letter of appeal dated November 25 read: “Having regard to my good character and driving history I am a fit and proper person to hold a licence. I required my licence for family and/or work purposes.”
The TV presenter shoots Sunrise out of Channel 7s Martin Place office. She also works as a columnist for Stellar magazine.
The court documents also revealed the “notice of suspension of driver licence” was sent to her postal address on October 22.
“This suspension is a result of the offence(s) listed below,” the letter reads. “As required by law, your Unrestricted Class C Driver Licence will be suspended for a period of 3 months.
“Warning: You must not drive on a road or related area during the suspension period. You may keep the license in your possession but you must not drive...You have the right to appeal against the suspension of your licence.”