Diana supports calls for EU to adopt foreign driver prosecution system (Diana Wallis MEP)

Diana Wallis MEP <info@dianawallismep.org.uk>

Diana supports calls for EU to adopt foreign driver prosecution system

September 29, 2010 11:56 AM

Traffic wardens Diana has given her support to the call by traffic police heads across Europe who are urging the EU to adopt new rules so drivers can be punished for offences they commit abroad.

In a recent meeting the European Traffic Police Network (Tispol) says at least 400 lives could be saved each year if people knew they would still be punished for offences.

They say such a system would be both fairer and safer.

Diana, a Vice President of the European Parliament, said:

"Much of my casework over the past few years has involved people from our region caught up in traffic accidents across the EU. These accidents often have a tragic human element with injuries and sometimes death.

Diana, her party's Spokesperson on the Parliament's Legal Affairs Committee, added:

"Two years ago the European Parliament overwhelmingly passed a resolution to make possible cross-border policing of traffic offences. I am supporting calls for EU countries to now take this up and implement this without hesitation."

EU figures suggest that foreign drivers account for around 5% of traffic, but around 15% of speeding offences. Most go unpunished, with countries often unable to pursue drivers once they return home.

Tispol argues that such a system would be fairer - with foreign drivers no longer able to escape the punishments given to domestic drivers - and safer, with greater enforcement acting as a deterrent. It is likely that a driver's home authorities would pursue them on behalf of the foreign country.

And it would be up to drivers to make sure they know the rules of the country they are visiting - drink-drive laws in particular can vary widely.

Belgium, which currently holds the EU presidency, says reaching agreement on the issue is one of its top priorities.