New EU proposals could mean that British drivers who speed or commit other motoring offences in their own vehicle while abroad could be fined or prosecuted through the UK courts.

The present situation is that only those stopped by police officers face any punishment, as foreign motorists caught on camera can be hard to track down.

The EU parliament will vote on the bill, which would allow EU member states to access each other’s motoring records, in the coming days. It is expected to win widespread support from MEPs.

If passed, it would be the first time that all 28 EU countries take part in a cross-border data exchange, which could happen as early as 2017.
Brake campaigns officer Ed Morrow, supported the idea, and said: “For a driver who puts lives at risk to escape prosecution because their vehicle is registered in another country is both insulting and incomprehensible for victims. Illegal driving crosses borders, so enforcement must cross borders too.”