Beginning of the end for bad driving - Watson

2.28.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 9th Sep 2008

Earlier today the European Parliament's Transport Committee overwhelming backed measures for better cross-border co-operation and enforcement of the penalties for speeding, drink-driving, not wearing a seatbelt and running a red light.

Currently traffic violations in Member States other than the driver's own country of residence are mostly not followed through. This relative impunity encourages irresponsible driving and undermines road safety.

Commenting on the vote, local Lib Dem MEP for the South West and Gibraltar Graham Watson said;

"Today's vote is the first step towards ensuring that speeding, drink-driving, not wearing a seatbelt and running a red light elsewhere in the EU will follow you home. Having one for the road while holidaying abroad will be pricey and deservedly so.

Those four offences are to blame for most fatalities on the European roads and it is time the joyride ends".

Graham observed for the Westcountry;

"These measures will also better protect our communities here in the Westcountry; the rules will work both ways. Those visiting the South West will have to watch out and observe our road laws."

Under the proposed legislation European countries will identify and notify offenders by swapping electronic data. The authorities in the country of residence will be empowered to follow up on the penalty decisions in case of non-compliance by the offenders.

"European Liberal Democrats supported the legislation and we are ready to see it through the full House next month. Member States are still dragging their feet but today's vote sends a clear signal that we will no longer be taken for a ride by drivers exploiting the loopholes in the system" said Watson.

Editors note-

Currently eight million Briton drive abroad on holiday each year, and Foreign and Commonwealth Office research shows that many set off totally unprepared.