ROAD safety champion GEM Motoring Assist (GEM) claims foreign drivers are flouting UK speed limit regulations and too many get away without paying any fine or penalty.

The majority of foreign registered vehicles have no fear of speed cameras, bus lane cameras and even congestion charge cameras.

However, British drivers abroad are likely to be heavily penalised for motoring offences. In France, for instance, the gendarmerie is geared up to handle hefty on the spot fines.

Writing in the GEM membership magazine Good Motoring journalist James Luckhurst says the unfair system which lets foreign drivers escape punishment will continue until the harmonisation of all traffic regulations within the EC, including penalties, enforcement and legislation with a Europe-wide licensing authority and common European driving licences.

Mr Luckhurst argues British police can realistically do no more than warn drivers of foreign vehicles caught speeding in the UK.

The Criminal Justice Cooperation Act (1990) allows police to prosecute non-UK licence holders for offences more normally dealt with through the fixed penalty system. This would mean serving a summons on the driver, who has no obligation to respond.

Mr Luckhurst said: “The more extreme option is to arrest an offending driver and hold him until he can appear before a magistrates’ court, but the administrative burden in terms of cost and time usually far exceeds the gravity of the offence.”

David Williams, GEM chief executive, said: “The issue of foreign speeders and what can be done about them is highly complex.

“The main criticism of the system is foreign drivers are getting away without any penalty in circumstances where increasing numbers of UK motorists are paying fines and collecting penalty points. Drivers should be penalised for speeding, but it should be fair to all.

“Moves are afoot to update the whole traffic enforcement system so that it can become effective across Europe. Government estimates point to at least three years before the legal and practical changes can be implemented.”