The prospect of drivers being fined or prosecuted for offences committed in other countries has moved a stage closer following a European Parliament vote.
The Cross Border Enforcement Directive was passed by MEPs earlier this month, but would need final approval by individual governments, so the details on how any system would work are yet to be confirmed. But Europe-wide prosecution could be a reality as soon as 2013.
Eight offences are to covered by the directive: speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, jumping a red light, driving under the influence of drink or drugs, not wearing crash helmets, using reserved sections of road, (an emergency lane, for example, or a bus lane) and illegal use of mobile phones when driving.
“For many years, Tispol has been calling for this legislation, as our members frequently report problems caused by drivers flouting traffic laws when away from their home country,” said Roar Skjelbred Larsen, president of Tispol, the European Traffic Police Network. “This agreement should lead to much more fairness in the enforcement of traffic laws across the EU.”
“Not only will it become much harder to drive away from justice, but also I believe many lives will be saved as a result of this legislation,” he added.
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