Fines for speeding to go EU-wide

BRITISH holidaymakers caught speeding on Spanish roads could soon be tracked down and fined under new EU rules expected to come into force this year.

The new measures could result in motorists caught by speed cameras while in their own car abroad receiving fines sent to their UK address or being pursued through UK courts if they don’t pay.

According to MailOnline, drivers caught by speed cameras while in their own cars abroad currently cannot be traced as there is no system for foreign police to track them down. Foreign motorists can be traced if they are driving a hire car while abroad, but not if they are using their own car.

But the proposed changes could be made EU law by a bill that will apply to all member states from May this year. It would see motorists pursued for speeding, running a red light, using a mobile phone or drink or drug driving. Drivers will receive a letter in their own language for payment from the police authorities in the country the offence was committed.

Spanish MEP and the EU Parliament’s negotiator on the issue, Ines Ayala Sender, said that the new legislation could cut road deaths by 50 per cent. “Citizens are, of course, never thrilled to receive a letter telling them they have been caught committing a traffic offence, but they do welcome the fact that everyone in the EU will be treated equally, no matter where their vehicle is registered,” she said.

The bill will also apply to European drivers caught speeding while in the UK. If approved, the bill will apply from May, but the UK will have two years to enforce the new law.

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