Harman in dock for failing to pay speed fine

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Ms Harman, who until recently was Solicitor General and is a lawyer by profession, failed to pay the fine on time after she was charged by Suffolk Police.

The case will be dealt with on Tuesday by Ipswich magistrates who could impose an additional fine for not meeting the deadline.

Ms Harman, 57, who earns £140,000 a year, has pleaded guilty by post and is not expected to attend the hearing.

A Labour source said: "She made an innocent mistake. She forgot to pay on time because she was spending all her time on the deputy leadership contest touring the country."

A Government insider added: "There was a mix-up with the paperwork which meant she missed the deadline for paying. She regrets any embarrassment caused."

If speeding fines are not paid within 28 days they can be increased by 50 per cent and magistrates can issue a summons. They can also impose additional penalty points.

The latest gaffe will not improve Ms Harman's accident-prone reputation.

Four years ago she was banned from driving for seven days and fined £400 for speeding at 99mph on a motorway.

The Mail on Sunday first reported Ms Harman's speeding offence last week, but she refused to discuss whether she had failed to pay the fine on time.

Sources yesterday finally confirmed she had not paid on time.