Calls to help prosecute foreign drivers involved in motorcycle crashes

Brake, the road safety charity, has joined a coalition of organisations calling for the UK government to support a proposal to help police catch risky, law-breaking drivers from other countries.

The European Commission proposal, published today and backed by TISPOL, the European Traffic Police Network, would allow police across the EU to pursue traffic offences against drivers of vehicles registered in another member state, fixing the current situation whereby non-resident drivers are able to escape prosecution for risky driving offences such as speeding. Closing the loophole could save an estimated 350 to 400 lives a year on Europe’s roads [1].

Julie Townsend, deputy chief executive, Brake, said: “Through our support services for people bereaved and injured by road crashes, we see time and time again the devastation caused by illegal driving behaviour. The impact is just as catastrophic regardless of where the driver or vehicle is from. Imagine how insulting and incomprehensible it must be then for victims when a driver who puts lives at risk escapes prosecution because their vehicle is registered in another country. Illegal driving crosses borders, so enforcement must cross borders too. We are fully behind this proposal, which would help prevent needless tragedies across Europe.”

Brake campaigns for tougher penalties and stronger traffic enforcement through its Crackdown campaign. Twitter: @Brakecharity, #Crackdown.