New rules proposed to catch speeding foreign drivers (United Kingdom)

Speeding driver

Jamie Weir Thursday, July 24, 2014
8:37 AM

Foreign drivers caught speeding in the UK will be more likely to face penalties under new rules proposed by Tispol, the European traffic police network.

Over 2000 foreign drivers faced no charges after speeding in Kent according to the organisation. Tispol say that speeding is the primary cause in one third of all fatal crashes, as well as being an aggravating factor in all collisions where it occurs.

It is seeking changes to the law which would allow police to track the drivers to their home countries.

Tispol director Pasi Kemppainen said: “Europe wide adoption of the new proposal will lead to more effective enforcement, which encourages drivers to comply with safety rules and leads to a rapid reduction in deaths and injuries.

“Careful and considerate drivers, wherever they live in Europe, will have nothing to fear from this. As well as ensuring that no one has the chance to drive away from justice, the new legislation will help protect people when they drive abroad, because they will be using roads with greater compliance, fewer traffic offences and lower risks.”

Antonio Avenoso, executive director of the European Transport Safety Council said: “Letting foreign-registered drivers off the hook when they speed or drink and drive is unsafe but it’s also unfair.

“These rules are a smart way of deterring drivers from dangerous driving when they go abroad but will also help member states track down offenders that put other people’s lives at risk. We urge EU member states and the new European Parliament to give the green light to the new proposal as soon as possible.”