Diana delighted that Europe is to enforce driving penalties across borders

5.11.00pm GMT Wed 17th Dec 2008

In Strasbourg today, Euro MPs voted for legislation which enables cross-border enforcement of penalties for the serious driving offences of speeding, drink driving, failure to wear a seatbelt and running red lights.

Currently tickets for traffic offences incurred in states other than the driver's home country mostly get ignored. This means impunity for irresponsible driving that puts safety at risk. The new legislation would mean that the authorities in the offender's home state will be notified that he has failed to pay within the specified period, and they will then recognise and enforce the penalty, whether criminal or administrative.

Diana Wallis MEP, who has campaigned for several years for proper cross-border enforcement of driving penalties across European borders, said:

"Over the years I have had a number of constituents complain about foreign lorries and their drivers. There seemed to be a perception that not enough is being done both to apprehend those flouting the rules and also that there is difficulty in enforcing the fines and other penalties if these drivers come from abroad. I am delighted therefore that the European Parliament will enforce driving penalties across borders.

"This is a particular issue in Yorkshire & the Humber given the importance of the Humber ports and the M62 for foreign vehicles. The region will be safer in future when we are no longer taken for a ride by drivers who can commit serious offences but get off scot free by skipping the country. After all, making sure offenders pay the penalty is one of the main benefits of European cooperation."

Notes:

22nd Aug 2006 - Local Euro MP joins HGV check at Hull docks

http://dianawallismep.org.uk/news/000383/local_euro_mp_joins_hgv_check_at_hull_docks.html